Central Michigan University head football coach Jim McElwain is retiring from coaching according to numerous media reports reported on Wednesday afternoon.

He will retire at seasons end.

McElwain led the Chippewas to a 16-14 win over rival Western Michigan University at home on Tuesday night, snapping a five-game losing streak.

The Chippewas have struggled in recent seasons as they are 4-7 this season after going 5-7 in 2023 and 4-8 in 2022.

Moreover, McElwain is currently under investigation by the NCAA pertaining to Connor Stalions’ alleged attendance on the CMU sideline in its 2023 season-opener at Michigan State University.

McElwain and Stalions worked together while assistant coaches at the University of Michigan in 2018.

A story that was published by footballscoop.com writer Zach Barnett reported, ‘McElwain will move into a special assistant to the AD role within the CMU athletics department.”

The story quoted McElwain as saying, “”My wife Karen and I have cherished every moment of our football journey. 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.

“We 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.”

McElwain said his reasoning behind his abrupt retirement were his own according to numerous reports.

CMU Athletic Director Amy Folan was quoted by footballscoop.com and stated, “Coach McElwain and his wife Karen have meant so much to the Central Michigan community,” AD Amy Folan said. “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.”

CMU closes the 2024 regular season at Northern Illinois on Nov. 30.

The 62-year old McElwain spent 40 years coaching in the college ranks and closes his career with a career record of 77-63 as head coach at CMU, Florida and Colorado State. He signed a five-year contact with CMU in 2022.

CMU’s Jim McElwain under investigation by NCAA

CMU football snaps 5-game losing streak, tops rival WMU 16-14