Former Duke Football Head Coach Mike Elko Takes on New Role as Head Coach at Texas A&M

The Elko Era, as quickly as it materialized, has come to an end.

Head coach Mike Elko will be returning to Texas A&M next season after being named the new head coach on Monday. The school recently relieved Jimbo Fisher of his coaching duties, creating a highly coveted position in college football. Elko’s contract with the Aggies guarantees him $7 million annually until January 31, 2030, with additional financial incentives bound to his postseason accomplishments.

Reports emerged on Sunday suggesting that Elko was the preferred candidate for the Aggies’ opening. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Elko and Texas A&M had reached an agreement, which was confirmed during a Sunday team meeting. Elko wasted no time and landed in College Station on Monday morning.

Elko’s success at Duke, including being named ACC Coach of the Year, cemented his legacy as one of their most successful head coaches in recent history.

Now, athletic director Nina King is tasked with finding a new head football coach amid what is expected to be a turbulent offseason.

“We’ll be thorough in our process and we will certainly work swiftly as we have done before,” King said. Trooper Taylor, associate head coach and running backs coach, will take over as interim head coach.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.