Texas A&M has officially announced the hiring of Duke’s Mike Elko as its next football coach after a pending deal between Texas A&M and Kentucky coach Mark Stoops reportedly fell apart. The former Aggies defensive coordinator emerged as the top choice, according to sources.
“Coach Mike Elko is one of the best leaders and coaches in college football and has had high-level success at each stop of his career,” said Texas A&M athletic director Ross Bjork. “He is known amongst coaching circles as one of the best defensive minds in the country and has shown his ability to lead and turn around a program as a Power 5 head coach.”
Elko quickly became a favorite among the Texas A&M faithful after a highly successful run with the Aggies as defensive coordinator under former coach Jimbo Fisher. He came to Texas A&M after successful stints at Wake Forest and Notre Dame as part of Fisher’s initial staff in 2018. Under his watch, the Aggies defense ranked among the best units in the country, especially against the run.
As defensive coordinator, Texas A&M went 34-14 during Elko’s tenure, including a 9-1 Orange Bowl campaign in 2020. The Aggies also saw success in recruiting, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
Following his time at Texas A&M, Elko took over at Duke in 2022 and led the Blue Devils to an impressive 9-4 campaign in his first season, followed by a 7-5 record in 2023 despite challenges at the quarterback position.
Elko now faces the task of guiding Texas A&M back to SEC contention as the league prepares to add Texas and Oklahoma in the 2024 season. And Texas A&M interim coach Elijah Robinson, who was hired away from Baylor as part of Elko’s first defensive staff with the Aggies, is expected to stay on Elko’s staff. This continuity is aimed at preserving one of the most talented rosters in Texas A&M history.
Texas A&M’s decision to hire Elko reflects a commitment to substance over flash, as they hope to replicate the success of promoting R.C. Slocum from defensive coordinator to head coach following Jackie Sherrill’s resignation in 1988.
Elko has taken steps to address the offensive side of the ball by hiring well-regarded offensive coordinator Kevin Johns from Memphis to run his offense at Duke. He also brings with him an experienced team from Texas A&M, including returning defensive coordinator Tyler Santucci and cornerbacks coach Ishmael Aristide. But whether Elko will look to his familiar team or bring in new staff remains to be seen.
