Central Michigan’s McElwain to retire after season

• Chris Low, ESPN

  • Elder WriterNov 20, 2024, 04:00 PM ET Close College football reporter
  • Signed up with ESPN.com in 2007
  • Graduate of the University of Tennessee

Central Michigan’s Jim McElwain will retire from training after this season, ending a 40-year career that also included head-coaching stops at Florida and Colorado State.

“My spouse Karen and I have cherished every minute of our football journey,” McElwain stated Wednesday in a declaration. “We want to express our inmost thankfulness to all the players who have invited us into their lives, and the incredible coaches and support staff at every stop along the method– it has actually been a real advantage to work along with all of them. The long-lasting friendships that were developed mean the world to us.”

McElwain is apparently part of an NCAA examination including the Connor Stalions allegations and the scenarios surrounding his existence on the Chippewas’ sideline throughout the 2023 season opener at Michigan State. Sources told ESPN that McElwain’s decision to retire was his own and that he plans to stay included with Central Michigan in some capacity.Editor’s Picks

1 Associated”We are especially appreciative for our time at CMU. Mount Pleasant and the CMU community hold a special location in our hearts, and we eagerly anticipate continuing to belong of this program and this great community,” McElwain said.McElwain, 62, is 33-35 at Central Michigan and 4-7 this season with one game staying versus Northern Illinois on Nov. 30. He led the Chippewas to two bowl games. His most effective season was 2021, when Central Michigan won nine games and beat Washington State in the Sun Bowl.McElwain is 77-63 total as a head coach.

He was 22-16 in three seasons at Colorado State and took Florida to 2 SEC national championship before being pushed out during the 2017 season after stating he and a few of his players got death threats.Florida revealed his ouster following a 42-7 loss to Georgia that season, and McElwain and Florida later reached a settlement. McElwain was also Nick Saban’s offensive organizer at Alabama and part of 2 championship game groups in 2009 and 2011.