Jim McElwain's Current Coaching Position: Where Is He Now?

By Jason Bolton August 16, 2024 06:07

Photo by AP Photo/Carlos Osorio

Jim McElwain, known for his extensive coaching career across various levels of American football, currently holds the position of head coach at Central Michigan University, leading the Chippewas' football program. Since taking over the reins in 2018, McElwain has been dedicated to reviving the team's fortunes, emphasizing player development, recruitment, and competitive gameplay. With a contract extended through at least the 2026 season, McElwain's tenure at Central Michigan is a testament to his commitment to rebuilding and leading his team to success in the highly competitive Mid-American Conference (MAC). His journey encapsulates a blend of experience and passion, aiming to elevate Central Michigan's football program to new heights.

Andrew Hartigan, Coaching Experience & Background

Jim McElwain was born in Missoula, Montana, on 1st March 1962. His football journey began as an Eastern Washington University quarterback from 1980 to 1983. After playing, McElwain moved into coaching, with a pair of stints as a graduate assistant at Eastern Washington from 1985 to 86. He instead quickly rose through the staff and was even a quarterbacks/receivers coach from 1987-94. In his time at the helm, the program earned two trips to NCAA Division I-AA playoffs and claimed a Big Sky Championship in 1992.

McElwain moved up the coaching ladder before his stints at Fresno, with stops in various roles at different venues.

Montana State (1995-1999): Served as the offensive coordinator at MSU.
University of Louisville (2000-02): Coached wide receivers and special teams return units, including several All-Conference USA performers.
Michigan State (2003-05): Helped team to a winning season, including bowl appearance.
Oakland Raiders (2006): McElwain spent just one season in the NFL, working as the quarterbacks coach with a dismal team.
Fresno State (2007): Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach
Alabama (2008-2011): McElwain was the architect of how to attack a defense for Nick Saban, and he built one, resulting in a national championship ring.
Colorado State University (2012-14): His first head coaching job earned Mountain West Coach of the Year honors in 2014.
Florida (2015-17): McElwain won two SEC East titles with the Gators.
Central Michigan (2019-2021): Martin jumped at the opportunity to lead a program he grew up viewing as MAC West rival.

Departure from Previous Roles

What made McElwain's separation from the University of Florida so unique is that he was embroiled in a series of poor performances and controversies, such as a lack of offensive output and issues revolving around player discipline that cast his reign under suspicion after an exciting beginning. He led the Gators to two SEC East titles, but Florida was often dismal in critical games and went 4-7 last year. That, along with what some believed to be a failure of McElwain to connect through himself and his administration and fan base, led, in this case, the Gators parting ways with their coach in November 2017.

He remained in Michigan for less than a month before being named the head coach of Central Michigan in December 2018.

Central Michigan

Five teams are in the MAC West Division, including Central Michigan, which McElwain has coached since 2018. In 2022, his contract was extended through the end of at least the 2026 season. McElwain oversees all aspects of the football program, from recruiting and player development to game strategy and team administration.

Since taking over, McElwain has been working to rejuvenate his first few years in Florida and South Carolina programs. He is very disciplined in his coaching style at the gym and outside. Central Michigan has been decent under his guidance, going 29-28 from 2019 to 2023. In his three seasons, the team made it to two bowl games, which showed he could guide the program into contention at a very competitive Mid-American Conference (MAC).

Performance and Macros at Central Michigan

McElwain's stint at Central Michigan has been a tale of triumphs and trials. He led Central Michigan to an 8-6 record and bowl game appearance in his first season (2019), earning MAC Coach of the Year honors. It was a major rebound from the previous years for a program struggling to succeed.

But the next seasons were not so easy, as Central Michigan slogged through losing seasons in 2021 and 2022, questions surrounding the program's trajectory grew louder. Still, he has steadfastly continued to work under the radar on grooming populating prospects and keeping a competitive clubhouse. His recruiting acumen has attracted more promising talent, ensuring he built a great team culture.

McElwain hopes to bring Central Michigan back to at least bowl-level respectability by 2024 and compete for MAC championships. Fans and stakeholders hope his track record and experiences will lead to a successful second stint.

Future Coaching Prospects

As for Jim McElwain, the jury seems to be solidifying. They think that his future in coaching depends on whether he can turn Central Michigan around. If he can get the Chippewas back to winning and being bowl-eligible, that would only further prove his capability of leading a Division I football program.

McElwain's stint as the head coach at Central Michigan University is an appropriate stop on a career that includes both triumph and tough times. His experience with college football led him to acquire the tools and techniques required for coaching and training superiors.