1996-2000: Elson is hired by former Head Coach Jack Harbaugh as an assistant coach and works primarily with defensive backs.

2001-2002: Elson serves as defensive coordinator.

Dec. 20, 2002: The Toppers win the Division I-AA (now Football Championship Series) national title.

March 5, 2003: Elson is hired to replace Harbaugh, who resigned as head coach.

2006: Western begins a transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision.

Jan. 30, 2009: The Board of Regents approves Elson’s contract extension from June 30, 2012 to June 30, 2016.

Sept. 20, 2008: Western defeats FCS opponent Murray State in the season’s home opener. The Toppers have not won since. They have a 17-game losing streak.

Nov. 8, 2009: Athletics Director Wood Selig and President Gary Ransdell decide Elson won’t be retained after the season ends, though he’ll coach the Toppers’ last three games.