GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — This will be the last football season for Central Michigan University’s head coach Jim McElwain, the school announced Wednesday.
McElwain has coached the Chippewas for six seasons, spanning across four decades. He’ll be coaching the season finale at Northern Illinois University on Nov. 30. Then he’ll move into a new position as Special Assistant to the Athletic Director, CMU wrote in a news release.
He thanked the players, coaches and support staff, calling it a “privilege” to work with them.
“(My wife Karen and I) are especially thankful for our time at Central Michigan. Mount Pleasant and the CMU community hold a special place in our hearts, and we look forward to continuing to be a part of this program and this great community. Thank you for the unwavering support and the unforgettable memories,” wrote McElwain.
During his years at CMU, McElwain led the team to two bowl game appearances and two MAC West Division titles. He was named MAC Coach of the year in 2019. In 2021, he guided the Chippewas to beat Washington State in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl.
“He has brought pride and excitement to Mount Pleasant and our football program and we look forward to his contributions to the department in other ways in the years ahead. We are grateful for his service and mentorship to our student-athletes. We wish both Jim and Karen the very best in their well-deserved retirement from coaching and we are glad that they will continue to help us,” wrote Zyzelewski Family Vice President/Director of Athletics Amy Folan.
CMU has immediately begun a nation-wide search to find its next head coach.
“We are committed to the continued success of our storied football program,” Folan said. “A national search is underway to find an outstanding leader who will honor our traditions while guiding us into the future. We are confident our community will rally behind this next chapter in Chippewa football.”
