CSU Students Disappointed In McElwain's Departure
FORT COLLINS, Colo. (CBS4)- Students at Colorado State University are disappointed that their football coach is leaving.
The Gators announced they were hiring Jim McElwain on Thursday. McElwain is returning to the Southeastern Conference after three seasons at CSU.
CSU students are expressing their disappointment especially since the Rams have experienced a resurgence this season as a winning, sellout crowd team.
"I was kind of heartbroken about it honestly because he did such a good job here," said CSU senior Curtis Morris.
"It's kind of a bummer I think for the players and people who are really into football but I can kind of see where the coach is coming from," said CSU sophomore McKenzie Coyle.
"Everyone seems to like him but I think he could have stuck around a little bit longer for that," said CSU sophomore Zara DeGroe.
McElwain's move to Florida comes just as CSU hopes to get board approval to build a new on-campus football stadium. A CSU spokesman said McElwain's departure has no bearing on CSU President Tony Frank's recommendation to move forward with the on-campus stadium.
Frank said it's a long term plan and shows the university's commitment to the football program and was an independent decision
Frank will go to the board of governors on Friday in Denver to ask for their approval.