MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich.

In a heartfelt announcement, Jim McElwain, head football coach of the Central Michigan University Chippewas, has declared his retirement, effective at the end of the 2024 season. After four decades in the coaching game, with six of those years spent spearheading CMU's football program, McElwain leaves an indelible mark on the team and the community.

As he transitions into a new role as Special Assistant to the Athletic Director, McElwain will continue to support the university in its athletic endeavors. He's set to grace the sidelines one last time during the season finale against Northern Illinois on Saturday, November 30.

"We have cherished every moment of our football journey," McElwain stated. "The bonds we have created with players, coaches, and the CMU community will forever hold a special place in our hearts."

McElwain's time at Central Michigan was highlighted by remarkable successes, including back-to-back appearances in bowl games and two MAC West Division titles. Upon his arrival in 2019, he turned a struggling one-win team into an impressive 8-6 squad that clinched the MAC West championship and made a bowl appearance. This turnaround earned him the MAC Coach of the Year title and marked the largest single-season improvement in the Football Bowl Subdivision that year.

His accolades further include guiding the Chippewas to a notable 9-4 record in 2021 and a historic victory over Washington State at the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl. This triumph was particularly significant as it marked CMU's first bowl win against a Pac-12 opponent, showcasing McElwain's ability to elevate the program.

"Coach McElwain and his wife Karen have been pillars of our community," said Amy Folan, the Zyzelewski Family Vice President/Director of Athletics. "His leadership has invigorated not only the football program but has also strengthened the bonds within the broader CMU community. We are excited about his future contributions."

Prior to his successful tenure at CMU, McElwain amassed significant achievements at the University of Florida from 2015 to 2017, where he led the Gators to multiple SEC East titles and earned SEC Coach of the Year honors in 2015. His coaching prowess was also demonstrated at Colorado State University, further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier coach.

McElwain's coaching career is complemented by his past experiences with prestigious programs such as Alabama, where he served as offensive coordinator during two national championship seasons, and he has been involved in coaching roles at notable institutions like Michigan and Michigan State.

A native of Missoula, Montana, McElwain played quarterback at Eastern Washington University and graduated in 1984.

With his retirement announcement, a national search is underway to identify his successor. "We are laser-focused on the future of our storied football program," Folan emphasized. "We are excited to welcome a new leader who will uphold our traditions while steering us into a promising future."

The Chippewa community eagerly awaits the next chapter in their football saga as they bid farewell to Jim McElwain, a coach whose impact will be felt for years to come.

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