Jim McElwain is a distinguished Football coach, currently serving as the head coach for Central Michigan University. His coaching journey began at Eastern Washington University, where he transitioned from a graduate assistant to quarterbacks and receivers coach. Under his guidance, the team reached the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs twice and secured the Big Sky championship in 1992, showcasing his ability to develop talent and lead teams to success.
Following his early career, McElwain took on the role of offensive coordinator at Montana State, where he orchestrated the top scoring offense in the Big Sky Conference in 1998. His success led him to the University of Louisville, where he coached standout receivers and set a school record for blocked kicks. His tenure at Michigan State as assistant head coach further solidified his reputation, contributing to the team’s appearance in the Alamo Bowl.
McElwain’s impressive track record continued as he served as the offensive coordinator at the University of Alabama from 2008 to 2011, where he played a pivotal role in the team’s national championship victory in 2009. He then became the head coach at Colorado State, earning Mountain West Conference Coach of the Year honors in 2014, before leading the University of Florida from 2015 to 2017, where he achieved significant success in the SEC.
In 2019, McElwain returned to Central Michigan University as head coach, where he has continued to build a competitive program. His leadership has resulted in two MAC West Division titles and a reputation as a coach who consistently develops winning teams. McElwain’s career is marked by a commitment to excellence and a passion for the game, making him a respected figure in college Football.