In 1993, McElroy was hired by Ron Randleman to serve as defensive backs coach at Sam Houston State University.

During his seven years on the staff at Sam Houston State, McElroy coached eight players who earned All-Southland Conference honors.

In 2000, he left SHSU to join Todd Whitten's coaching staff at Tarleton State as defensive coordinator.

His last season with the Texans, his defense allowed opponents just 271 yards of offense and 17.1 points per game to rank second in the Lone Star Conference.

After the 2002 season, McElroy left Tarleton State to join Darrell Dickey's coaching staff at the University of North Texas.