Central Michigan Hires Jim McElwain, Not Mike Yurcich, as Next Head Coach

Central Michigan is reportedly filling its once-vacant head coaching position with Michigan wide receivers coach Jim McElwain. McElwain previously was the head coach at Florida before he was fired and joined Jim Harbaugh’s staff last year.

Evan Petzold of CM Life, Brett McMurphy and ESPN all confirmed the hire.

Jim McElwain has been hired as Central Michigan’s coach source told @WatchStadium. 1st reported by @EvanPetzold

— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) December 2, 2018

SOURCES: Central Michigan is hiring Michigan assistant Jim McElwain as its next coach. McElwain, the former Florida and Colorado State coach, will he introduced Monday in Mount Pleasant. CM Life first reported the McElwain hire. He replaces John Bonamego. https://t.co/aIcki0tT6Y

— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) December 2, 2018

Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich was mentioned as a candidate for the Chippewas job this past week, as was OU’s Cale Gundy (Mike’s brother) and Mike Stoops (Bob’s brother and former OU defensive coordinator.)

Yurcich was hired and joined OSU’s staff in February of 2013 after being scooped away from Shippensburg University as its offensive coordinator. In all but one of his seasons at OSU, he’s finished with a top-10 unit in total offense.

McElwain replaces John Bonamego as CMU’s coach, who was at the helm when the Chippewas defeated Oklahoma State in stunning fashion in 2016.

Though Yurcich was passed over (and has reportedly been passed over on several occasions over the last few seasons), expect his name to continue to pop up in open searches this offseason. At 43, he remains a widely-respected offensive mind and respective recruiter — both of which are essential qualities on which programs look to build their programs around.