Jim McElwain suspended: Everything to know about NCAA's bold action against former CMU coach over Connor Stalions drama

Jim McElwain served as the head coach for some of the most notable college football programs in the country during his decades-long coaching career. However, the Connor Stallions sign-stealing scandal cast a cloud around his final season with Central Michigan.

The NCAA has now acted boldly by imposing a punishment on McElwain and his former staff. Let's explore the details and showcase everything you need to know about the NCAA's decision.

Everything to know about the NCAA's bold action against Jim McElwain

According to CBS Sports, the NCAA handed down punishments to the Central Michigan Chippewas, Jim McElwain, and three other former staff members. The punishment stems from their roles in the Connor Stalions sign-stealing scandal.

Jim McElwain has received a two-year show-cause penalty. The show-cause stipulates that McElwain will be restricted from all football coaching duties in the first year, will be suspended from 30% of regular-season games in the first year, and will have the suspension drop to 20% of the games in the second year.

The Connor Stalions sign-stealing scandal occurred in 2023. During the Central Michigan Chippewas' opening game against the Michigan State Spartans, Stallions entered the team's sideline while assisted by then assistant coach Jake Kostner, recruiting director Mike McGee, and equipment manager Nate Mason.

Stalions offered to help the Chippewas decipher the Spartans' signs from the game. McElwain denied the allegations when they first occurred, but the NCAA rejected his denial.

The NCAA's investigation found that McElwain may have been unaware of the broader plan, but he is still at fault under the head coach responsibility legislation. Hence, the bold punishment that's been handed out to McElwain and the staff involved.

Mason and McGee also received two-year show-cause penalties, while Kostner got a four-year show-cause. Central Michigan was hit with a $30,000 plus 1% of their football budget, and a two-year probation.

Jim McElwain retired from coaching at the end of the 2024 season, so it's unlikely that he'll ever serve the punishment. However, the other coaches involved and Central Michigan will now serve their punishments as soon as practicable.

Edited by Nick Igbokwe