Hired on December 7, 2017, Drew Cronic became the 22nd Head Football Coach in Lenoir-Rhyne University history.
In his first season with the Bears, Cronic guided the largest turnaround (three wins in 2017 to 12 wins in 2018) in the nation and was named the AFCA National Coach of the Year. Cronic's Bears won 12 straight games and were ranked No. 8 in the final national poll. Under Cronic, LR advanced to the NCAA Playoffs and hosted a pair of Playoff games. With a 43-21 win over Florida Tech, Lenoir-Rhyne advanced past the first round of the NCAA Playoffs for just the second time in program history and, after defeating Wingate, moved on to the Regional Final. Cronic's 12 wins in 2018 represent the second highest single-season total in program history.
Cronic led one of the most potent offenses in all of Division II. LR ranked ninth in the nation in scoring (41.0 points per game) and tenth in the nation in rushing offense (268.1 yards per game). Additionally, Cronic coached quarterback Grayson Willingham to a record-breaking 26 touchdown passes which shattered the previous record of 18. LR ranked fifth in the nation in first downs (316) and third in passing yards per completion (17.36).
Not to be outdone, the defensive side of the ball ranked with the nation's elite. The Bears were second in DII in fumbles recovered (17) and interceptions (21). The 38 total takeaways also ranked second and the 46 total sacks placed the Bears fifth. Cronic's defense didn't allow a single player to rush for 100 yards.
Kyle Dugger was one of the best punt returners in Division II under Cronic, winning the National Special Teams Player of the Week award and earning All-Conference and All-Region honors. Dugger was a Don Hansen Honorable Mention All-American and offensive lineman Jason Poe was a Second Team All-American under Cronic's guidance.
Cronic's success wasn't just on the field, he led a turnaround in the classroom as well. Under Cronic, the Bears posted a team 3.0 grade-point-average for the first time in program history and Ronnie Clifton was named a Second Team Academic All-American. Clifton, Jonathan Nolan and Clayton Horn each earned Academic All-District distinctions. Clifton was the lone representative from the South Atlantic Conference to earn Academic All-American accolades.
Prior to coming to LR, Cronic was the Offensive Coordinator at Furman University. The Paladins were ranked as high as No. 22 in the nation and advanced to the second round of the playoffs. Cronic spearheaded an offense which averaged 34 points a game and coached the All-SoCon Second Team Quarterback in P.J. Blazeowski.
Before his second stint with Furman, Cronic coached at Reinhardt (Ga.) University for five years (2012-16) and was instrumental in the startup of the program in November of 2011. For the first three seasons, Cronic served as Assistant Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator, Quarterbacks Coach and Recruiting Coordinator for the Eagles before being named the head coaching prior to the 2015 campaign.
In his first season, Cronic directed Reinhardt to a 9-2 season before a record-breaking in 2016. The Eagles went 13-1, won the Mid-South Conference Championship and advanced to the NAIA National Quarterfinals. Reinhardt averaged 51.1 points per contest and totaled 550.6 yards of offense per game, ranking first in the nation in both categories.
Reinhardt also led the nation in rushing offense (360.0 ypg) and rushing touchdowns (71) while having the nation’s second-highest passing efficiency (178.0) to go along with 25 touchdown passes. In addition, the Eagles’ defense finished second in the nation in points allowed (13.8 ppg) and sacks (46) and fifth in total defense at 283.5 yards per contest.
As Reinhardt’s mentor, Cronic was named the Mid-South Conference West Division Coach of the Year twice and the AFCA NAIA Region I Coach of the Year. In 2016, Reinhardt produced 14 all-league picks and 24 academic all-conference honoree (both Mid-South Conference highs).
Cronic’s squads also excelled in the classroom as his team posted a 3.11 grade point average while 18 student-athletes carried perfect 4.0 grade point averages.
Cronic’s first stint at Furman lasted nine years (2002-10) where he worked under Bobby Lamb and served in several coaching roles including wide receivers, running backs, tight ends and recruiting coordinator.
His first tenure with the Paladins included a 10-3 campaign and a SoCon Title in 2004 and an 11-3 season in 2005 which ended with a trip to the national semifinals.
In 1999, Cronic began his coaching career after graduate school with James Madison where he served three seasons as receivers coach and assistant recruiting coordinator. The Dukes won the Atlantic 10 Championship in his first year with the Dukes (1999) and earned a bid to the NCAA Division I-AA Playoffs.
Cronic, a native of Sharpsburg, Ga., played quarterback for his father – Danny Cronic – at East Coweta High School before playing collegiately at the University of Georgia. As a Bulldog, Cronic played wide receiver and was a member of the special teams. Cronic lettered twice and participated in the 1995 Peach Bowl and 1997 Outback Bowl.
Cronic received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics education from Georgia in 1998 before serving as a graduate assistant (wide receivers) at West Georgia where he earned his master’s degree in educational leadership in 1999.
Cronic and his wife, Amelia, are the proud parents of three sons: Noah, Elijah and Isaiah.
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WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT DREW CRONIC
“I want to congratulate Lenoir-Rhyne on their decision to make Drew Cronic their next football coach. I have great admiration for Drew as a man, father, husband and coach. He did a tremendous job for us and we wish him nothing but the best in this great opportunity. He is a winner in every way. I know his influence will be quickly felt by his staff, players and the entire community.”
Clay Hendrix, Head Football Coach
Furman University
“Drew is a proven competitor, recruiter and committed mentor of student-athletes who has shown the ability to succeed as a collegiate head coach. I have no doubt that he can lead the Lenoir-Rhyne football program back to the level of success it expects.”
Bobby Lamb, Head Football Coach
Mercer University
“Coach Cronic grew up in the locker room and has developed into a high character family man who is a great molder of young men. He will not only recruit well but also develop his players into well-rounded members of the community. Lenoir-Rhyne made a great selection in Coach Cronic and I know his players will love playing for him.”
Carroll McCray, Head Football Coach
Gardner-Webb University
