This could be a HUGE hire for the Aggies. Texas A&M hired Dukes head man Mike Elko as its next head coach, the school announced Monday.
Elko posted a 16-9 record across two seasons at Duke, including a 7-5 season in 2023. The 2022 ACC Coach of the Year served as defensive coordinator at Texas A&M from 2018-21 under head coach Jimbo Fisher, whom the Aggies fired on Nov. 12 after six seasons.
The Aggies gave Elko a six year deal worth $7 million per season and included significant postseason incentives, according to The Athletic.
“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,” athletic director Ross Bjork said. “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 recruited several players in Texas A&M’s top ranked 2022 recruiting class before becoming the Blue Devils head coach.
The Aggies initially pursued Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops, but the 2018 SEC Coach of the Year opted to stay with the Wildcats.
Elko did an impressive job at Duke, helping the Blue Devils go from a 3-9 record in 2021 to a 9-4 campaign in his first year on the job. With him on the sideline, Duke boasted one of the nation’s best defenses and allowed 19.8 points per game this season. The team has also given up only 208.3 passing yards per contest.
Texas A&M surrendered 21.3 points per game this season. The Aggies are only three years removed from a 9-1 season under Fisher, whose contract included a $77.5 million buyout, which is the largest in college football history.
Getting Elko back in the building could be huge for Texas A&M. He will bring in a culture that will hopefully help turn around Texas A&M.
Jaden Chandler-Parnell, or “JC” is a Sports & Sports Betting Insider for Stare Down Sports. You can Follow him on X @Jaden95Chandler
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