Former Alabama offensive coordinator announces retirement from coaching

The former Alabama offensive coordinator and two-time national champion has announced his retirement.

Jim McElwain announced his retirement from coaching on Wednesday afternoon.

McElwain, the coach at Central Michigan, made the announcement via a statement from the Chippewas athletic program. He will remain in his role through the end of the 2024 season and then step into an off-the-field role.

McElwain’s name should be familiar to Alabama fans. He was the offensive coordinator at Alabama from 2008-11, serving as the second OC for former coach Nick Saban during his tenure in Tuscaloosa.

Under McElwain, Alabama’s offense in 2008 ranked No. 35 nationally with an average of 30.1 PPG, and took a step forward during the Crimson Tide’s 2009 national title season, ranking No. 22 in the nation at 32.1 PPG. In 2010, Alabama’s offense continued that upward trajectory, ranking No. 18 with an average of 35.7 PPG, and it was No. 20 at 34.8 PPG during Alabama’s 2011 national championship season.

After his four seasons at Alabama, McElwain departed Tuscaloosa to become the coach at Colorado State (2012-14). He returned to the SEC in the same position at Florida (2015-17). McElwain has been the coach at Central Michigan since 2019.