Texas A&M has reportedly finalized a deal to make Mike Elko their next head football coach.
Always respected, Elko brings a wealth of experience back to College Station … He previously served as Aggies defensive coordinator from 2018-2021.
However, it’s safe to say Elko wasn’t A&M’s first (or second) choice.
🚨 BREAKING: Texas A&M intends to hire Duke head coach Mike Elko as next head coach, per @BrentZwerneman https://t.co/o8mkF22E7L pic.twitter.com/0IMqZoqOib
— On3 (@On3sports) November 26, 2023
This move follows the midseason firing of former head coach Jimbo Fisher.
As mentioned, Elko is no stranger to Texas A&M … The familiarity with the program is expected to prove beneficial as he steps foot back on campus.
The hire comes on the heels of a weekend filled with speculation surrounding Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops.
Conflicting reports had emerged, suggesting Stoops might be in the running for the position. However, he put those rumors to rest by affirming his commitment to the Wildcats.
Still can't believe Texas A&M had Mark Stoops and the fans revolted. He would have been the perfect hire for them.
He can recruit and win 10 games AT KENTUCKY. Give him A&M resources and money? He would have been great.
But they think they're better than him.
— Brandon Walker (@BFW) November 26, 2023
Elko took over the reins at Duke ahead of the 2022 season and has enjoyed a relatively successful tenure in Durham.
The Blue Devils posted a 9-4 record in his first season, including a notable 30-13 victory over UCF in the Military Bowl.
Despite starting this season with a promising 4-0 record, the team finished the regular season with a 7-5 mark due in large part to the injury of star quarterback Riley Leonard.
Overall, Elko’s coaching career at Duke showed promise, especially considering the program’s struggles in the seasons preceding his arrival.
The Blue Devils had endured three consecutive losing seasons, making Elko’s 16-9 record in Durham a positive sign for Texas A&M as they seek to elevate their program.
Mike Elko’s first game as Texas A&M head coach:
Notre Dame on August 31, 2024
Mike Elko was hired away from the Irish to be the Aggies’ defensive coordinator in 2018.. pic.twitter.com/mM5309Caxs
— AggiesToday (AT) (@AggiesToday) November 27, 2023
The Aggies finished the regular season with a mediocre 7-5 record.
Some programs might be okay with that mark – But not the ambitious brain-trust in College Station.
On a side note, the hiring of Elko mark’s yet another chapter in the long book of coaches getting caught in lies…
Mike Elko on Texas A&M vacancy earlier this month:
‘I don’t know where that stuff comes from.’
‘My family’s very happy here (Duke). I’m very committed to this place.’
‘It’s a profession where people just like to put stuff out there.’
I wish coaches would just cut the shit.
— Brad Crawford (@BCrawford247) November 27, 2023
What do you think about the hiring of Elko?
If you were A&M, who would have been your dream choice? … Meyer? Lanning? Stoops?