Breaking: Jim McElwain announces retirement
Coach Jim McElwain hangs his head during their game against Ball State on Saturday, Oct. 8, at Kelly Shorts Stadium.
After six seasons with Central Michigan football, CMU Athletics announced on Wednesday via social media and its website that head coach Jim McElwain will retire following the conclusion of the 2024 season.
"My wife Karen and I have cherished every moment of our football journey," McElwain said in the announcement from CMU Athletics. "We want to express our deepest gratitude to the all the players who have welcomed us into their lives, and the incredible coaches and support staff at every stop along the way—it has been a true privilege to work alongside all of them. The lifelong friendships that were created mean the world to us."
McElwain will stay with the Chippewas for their final game of the season against Northern Illinois, and he will serve as head coach until his replacement is hired.
CMU Athletics also announced that he will be moving into a new role with the organization, becoming the Special Assistant to the Athletic Director.
McElwain went 33-35 in his tenure with the Chippewas, with his best season coming in 2021. During that season, CMU went 9-4 overall and defeated Washington State in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl.
Following the 2021 season, the Chippewas have suffered three-straight losing seasons.
He produced two bowl game appearances and two Mid-American Conference West Division titles through six seasons.
Before becoming the head coach at CMU, McElwain coached at the University of Florida from 2015-17, going 22-12. After that, he served under Jim Harbaugh at the University of Michigan in 2018 as an assistant.
The Chippewas are currently 4-7 overall and 2-5 in MAC play. They will have one final game with McElwain at the helm against Northern Illinois on Saturday, Nov. 30.
