Ewu Loses Football Aide To Msu Mcelwain’s Departure Leaves Eagles’ Slim Staff Short-Handed

Eastern Washington University assistant football coach Jim McElwain is the new offensive coordinator at Montana State University, although the hiring has not been announced officially.

A native of Kalispell, Mont., the 33-year-old McElwain grew up in Missoula and was a backup quarterback at EWU from 1980-83. He has been a full-time assistant coach in Cheney the last nine seasons, coaching quarterbacks and receivers.

“That’s where I still bleed,” said McElwain, already working from his MSU football office. “Hopefully, some day, I can come back.”

McElwain replaces Dave Telford, who left Bozeman to coach receivers at Fresno State. MSU has been unable to announce McElwain’s hiring until FSU makes Telford’s hiring official, an MSU official said.

“I feel very, very fortunate to be able to hire Jim at this late date,” Bobcats head coach Cliff Hysell said.

EWU head coach Mike Kramer was out of town Tuesday. Sports information director Dave Cook said no decision has been made regarding McElwain’s successor.

McElwain is the second EWU assistant to leave Kramer’s staff since the Eagles went 4-7 last season. Linebackers coach John Zamberlin left in January to become defensive coordinator at the University of Richmond. Zamberlin was replaced by longtime EWU assistant J.D. Sollars, who surrendered duties as offensive coordinator to Kramer and was also named assistant head coach.

McElwain’s departure leaves Kramer with just four full-time assistants. MSU, by comparison, lists eight.

EWU practices begin Aug. 18.

While the Eagles consider their limited options, McElwain admits he has much to learn. “Where have we got Idaho?” he asked, still unfamiliar with the MSU schedule. “I’ve just spent a full day down here breaking down Colorado State. That’s who we open with. So much for the honeymoon.”

There was hardly time for the wedding … anniversary.

“I was on my way to Flathead Lake to my folks’ 50th wedding anniversary when my wife received a call of interest Friday night,” McElwain said. “I went up to the lake. Obviously, it was a short stay.”

By Monday, the Bobcats had a new offensive coordinator.

“Part of it is, I am from Montana,” McElwain said. “Part of it is, the opportunity they’re giving me, and the way it was done. Let’s put it this way: It was very hard to turn down.

“I wasn’t looking to leave Eastern. It totally blind-sided me.”

Terms of his contract have not been disclosed.

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