Spent four years as head coach of Central Michigan
Bonamego has deep ties to the state of Michigan. He was born there, played high school football at Paw Paw in Michigan, went to Central Michigan where he played quarterback and wide receiver and had two stints as a coach with the Lions.
Additionally, he coached at his alma mater for four years from 2015-2018. He led the Chippewas to three bowl games in his first three seasons, but in 2018, things fell apart. Central Michigan went 1-11 – the worst season in school history – and Bonamego was fired in November.