**Jim McElwain Announces Retirement After 40-Year Coaching Career**

After dedicating four decades to coaching college football, Jim McElwain has revealed his plans to retire following the conclusion of the 2024 season. McElwain, who has spent the past six years as the head football coach at Central Michigan University, will continue to lead the Chippewas until a new head coach is appointed. His last game on the sidelines will be against Northern Illinois on November 30.

Upon his retirement, McElwain will transition into a new role as Special Assistant to the Athletic Director, where he will support the department in navigating the evolving landscape of college athletics. Reflecting on his extensive career, McElwain expressed gratitude for the experiences and relationships he and his wife Karen have built over the years.

"Karen and I have cherished every moment of our football journey," McElwain remarked. "We are deeply thankful to the players, coaches, and support staff who have been part of this incredible experience. The friendships we have made along the way mean the world to us."

During his tenure at Central Michigan, McElwain achieved notable successes, including two appearances in bowl games and two Mid-American Conference (MAC) West Division titles. His first season in 2019 was particularly remarkable, as he transformed a one-win team into an 8-6 squad, sharing the MAC West championship and securing a spot in the New Mexico Bowl. This seven-win turnaround was the largest improvement in the Football Bowl Subdivision that year, earning him the title of MAC Coach of the Year.

In 2021, McElwain led the Chippewas to a 9-4 record and a historic 24-21 victory over Washington State in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl, marking the first bowl win over a Pac-12 opponent in MAC football history. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the Central Michigan community.

"Coach McElwain and Karen have meant so much to Central Michigan," stated Amy Folan, the Zyzelewski Family Vice President/Director of Athletics. "He has brought pride and excitement to our football program, and we look forward to his continued contributions to the department in new capacities. We wish Jim and Karen all the best in their well-deserved retirement from coaching."

McElwain's coaching career has been richly diverse, including head coaching roles at the University of Florida and Colorado State University. He earned SEC Coach of the Year honors in 2015 while at Florida and revitalized Colorado State's program, earning the title of Mountain West Coach of the Year in 2014. Overall, he has compiled a 77-62 record as a head coach.

Additionally, McElwain’s experience as an assistant coach includes stints at prestigious programs such as the University of Alabama, where he served as offensive coordinator during two national championship seasons under Coach Nick Saban. His assistant coaching journey also includes roles at Michigan, Michigan State, Louisville, Fresno State, Montana State, and Eastern Washington, along with a season in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders.

Originally from Missoula, Montana, McElwain played quarterback at Eastern Washington University from 1980 to 1983, graduating in 1984. The search for McElwain's successor at Central Michigan is now underway, with the university committed to continuing the success of its storied football program.

"We are confident in finding an outstanding leader who will honor our traditions while guiding us into the future," Folan affirmed. "Our community will undoubtedly rally behind the next chapter in Chippewa football."