The season for firing and hiring head coaches will soon arrive. Accomplished coaches and coordinators will soon become household names as they are linked to more and more coaching vacancies. One name that deserves a lot of attention is former Alabama offensive coordinator Jim McElwain. McElwain became the head coach at Colorado State prior to the 2012 season, and he has done a remarkable job with the program.
In the three years prior to McElwain’s arrival, the Colorado State Rams won three games a year for a total of nine wins. In his first year on the job, the Rams won four games. Last year, in his second season, McElwain won seven regular season outings. Taking a team from three-win seasons to bowl eligibility in such a short time is impressive. For an encore, the Rams knocked off Pac-12 foe Washington State in their bowl game to finish last season with eight wins.
Colorado State’s program will only improve under McElwain, who has led the Rams to their current 8-1 record. What might be even more impressive is fact that the Rams are 2-0 against “Power Five” teams on the year.
The Rams sole loss came on the road at Boise State. Colorado State will be favored to win two if not all three of their remaining regular season games. If the Rams win out, they will likely have a great shot at getting into one of the major bowls this year. The Rams will also have a chance to play for the Mountain West title if Boise State stumbles in one of its four remaining games.
Whether Colorado State wins the Mountain West or qualifies for a bowl like the Peach Bowl, the Rams’ season will go down as an incredibly successful one. McElwain has proven that regardless of the circumstances he is an incredibly capable coach. Winners deserve to be rewarded and McElwain’s opportunity to coach at a bigger program is likely rapidly approaching.
