In their first season under head coach Brian Kelly, the Chippewas compiled a 4–7 record (3–5 against MAC opponents), finished in fifth place in the MAC's West Division, and were outscored by their opponents, 378 to 260.

[5] Tailback Jerry Seymour was selected at the end of the 2004 season as the team's most valuable player.

[6] Brian Kelly was introduced as Central Michigan's head football coach on January 2, 2004.

He had served as the head football coach at Grand Valley State University for 13 years, compiling a 118-35-2 record and leading his Lakers football teams to NCAA Division II national championships in both 2002 and 2003.

[7] NFL coaches Matt LaFleur and Robert Saleh were graduate assistants on this team.