Jim McElwain was announced as the Colorado St. Rams new head football coach on Tuesday afternoon, but he'll be wearing a dual-hat through Jan. 9 when the 2012 BCS National Championship Game pits his No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide against the No. 1 LSU Tigers. He will provide continuity for the Crimson Tide for the remainder of the season by finishing out his duties as offensive coordinator.
While this could potentially work against him, it should actually help Colorado State in the recruiting process over the final weeks leading up to National Signing Day in February. Throughout the whole game, the announcers will almost certainly mention McElwain's move to Colorado State, especially if the Alabama offense comes out slow (though, if the game is a low-scoring affair like the November contest how will we be able to tell?).
McElwain coached the 2009 Heisman Trophy winner, Mark Ingram, and had Trent Richardson finish in third place this season.
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