After emerging as a front-runner for the Memphis job -- and reportedly reneging after accepting the job -- Alabama offensive coordinator Jim McElwain has now emerged as one of the leading contenders for another head-coaching opening.
By way of the Birmingham News, the Fresno Bee reported late Friday night that McElwain is one of the two finalists for the Fresno State vacancy. The other finalist per the Bee is Oakland Raiders running backs coach Kelly Skipper.
The paper reports a final decision could be made and an official announcement may come by Wednesday of the upcoming week.
McElwain was the Bulldogs’ offensive coordinator in 2007 before joining Nick Saban at Alabama, and has not been shy about his interest in the job if it were to come open. That happened earlier this month when Pat Hill was “relieved of his duties” after 15 seasons at the school. Skipper has even deeper ties to the Bulldogs, serving as an assistant at his alma mater from 1989 to 1997.
One prominent booster, though, indicated earlier this week McElwain may the preference of many people connected to the program.
“I know he said he was interested [in] coming back to Fresno State before, and he’d definitely be a good choice for the university to consider,” booster Harry Gaykian told the paper. “Whether he’s the best fit, I don’t know. I know a lot of people would be excited about him coming back. He did a lot of good things when he was at Fresno.”
Another unnamed school official was excited over the possibility of McElwain returning to Fresno.
“We can sell tickets with McElwain,” the official said. “We can sell McElwain. He knows Fresno and knows how to recruit in California.”