NCAA penalizes former Central Michigan coach Jim McElwain, 3 others in Connor Stalions case

Central Michigan University has agreed to a series of penalties, including fines and a two-year probation, due to staff members' involvement in granting former Michigan staffer Connor Stalions sideline access during a 2023 game against Michigan State. The NCAA's investigation revealed that former CMU quarterbacks coach Jake Kostner arranged for Stalions to attend the game to decipher signals. Equipment coordinator Nate Mason unknowingly provided coaching gear, and a bench pass was secured under an alias by Mike McGee, CMU's former director of recruiting.

Former CMU coach Jim McElwain was held accountable under head coach responsibility rules, receiving a two-year show-cause order that limits his coaching duties. McElwain retired after the 2024 season. Kostner received a four-year show-cause, while Mason and McGee each received two-year show-cause orders. All three initially provided misleading information but later cooperated, except Mason, who did not cooperate.

Central Michigan was fined $30,000