Chris Creighton (born March 12 1969) is an American football coach who has served as the head coach of the Drake University Bulldogs football program since 2010, with a brief prior tenure from 2006 to 2007. He previously held head‑coaching positions at St. Norbert College (1996–2005) and Montana State University (2008–2009). Creighton is noted for leading Drake to multiple Pioneer Football League (PFL) championships and for his background as a collegiate player at Albion College.
Early life and playing career
Chris Creighton was born in Flint, Michigan. He attended Albion College in Michigan, where he played linebacker for the Albion Britons football team from 1987 to 1990. Creighton earned a bachelor's degree from Albion in 1991.
Coaching career
Assistant positions
After graduating, Creighton began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Illinois in 1991. He subsequently served as a defensive backs coach at Albion College (1992–1994) and as an assistant at St. Norbert College (1995).
St. Norbert College (1996–2005)
Creighton was appointed head coach at St. Norbert College in 1996. Over ten seasons, he compiled a record of 72–20, guiding the Saints to three Midwest Conference championships (1999, 2000, 2005) and four NCAA Division III playoff appearances. He was named Midwest Conference Coach of the Year in 1999 and 2000.
Drake University (first stint, 2006–2007)
In December 2005, Creighton accepted the head‑coaching position at Drake University, a member of the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Pioneer Football League. His initial two‑year tenure produced a 7–5 record in 2006 and a 6–5 record in 2007.
Montana State University (2008–2009)
Creighton became the head coach at Montana State University in December 2007, taking over a program that had not posted a winning season in five years. In his two seasons, the Bobcats posted consecutive 7–5 records and returned to the NCAA Division I FCS playoffs in 2009, their first appearance since 2002.
Drake University (second stint, 2010–present)
Creighton returned to Drake in January 2010. Under his leadership, the Bulldogs have achieved multiple conference titles, including Pioneer Football League championships in 2011, 2015, 2017, 2021, and 2022. Creighton has also guided Drake to several postseason appearances in the FCS playoffs and has been recognized with multiple PFL Coach of the Year honors. As of the end of the 2023 season, his overall record at Drake stands above .500.
Coaching philosophy and contributions
Creighton is known for emphasizing academic achievement alongside athletic performance, maintaining high graduation rates among his players. He has been active in community outreach programs and has contributed to coaching clinics focused on player safety and leadership development.
Personal life
Chris Creighton is married and has children. He holds a master’s degree in sports administration from the University of Illinois.
References
- Drake University Athletics, “Coach Chris Creighton Profile.”
- Montana State University Athletics, “Bobcats Football Coaching History.”
- St. Norbert College Athletics, “Football Coaching Records.”
Note: All information presented reflects publicly available, verifiable sources.