Details Of Texas A&M Aggies Coach Mike Elko's Contract Revealed
COLLEGE STATION -- Texas A&M Aggies coach Mike Elko agreed to terms on a six-year contract through 2030 worth $7 million annually, per A&M's athletic department.
Athletic director Ross Bjork said earlier this month during a radio hit the contract would be "incentive-based" following the firing of Jimbo Fisher. Elko's contract does feature a handful of incentives that could expand his contract in the coming years.
Elko will earn an extra $1 million should the Aggies make it to the 12-team College Football Playoff. He'll make $1.5 million should A&M advance to the CFP quarterfinals or win the SEC Conference title and $2 million should the program advance to the CFP semifinals.
Elko would earn $2.5 million if the Aggies were to advance to the national championship and $3.5 million if they were to win the whole thing. If Elko accomplishes any postseason incentives, one additional year will be added to the term of his agreement.
The incentives are now cumulative, meaning if Elko were to hit the end goal of winning a national title, he would make $10.5 million for the season. Should he make only the CFP quarterfinals, he'd only make $8,5 million and so on.
Other incentives include $100,000 should A&M make an appearance in the SEC championship game and $50,000 should Elko win SEC Coach of the Year. Elko would also earn an extra $100,000 should he be named national coach of the year and $50,000 for a multi-year APR of 960 or above.
Former Duke coach Mike Elko shaking hands with players as they walk off the field at Wallace Wade Stadium.
USA Today Sports
A&M is also giving Elko $11 million to form a staff, which includes coordinators, position coaches, recruiting analysts, and strength and conditioning staff, among other roles.
The Aggies would owe Elko 75 percent of his base salary if they were to fire him without cause. The percentage grows to 80 percent if A&M terminates the agreement without cause with less than three years remaining on the deal.
Elko, who served as A&M's defensive coordinator under Jimbo Fisher from 2018-2021, posted a 16-9 record during his two seasons at Duke. He was named ACC Coach of the Year after turning the Blue Devils from a 3-9 program to a 9-4 roster in 2022.
The Aggies fired Fisher after going 11-11 in two seasons following Elko's departure. Interim coach Elijah Robinson will remain the Aggies' coach for their bowl game next month.
Elko said one of his top priorities is keeping Robinson on his staff for the 2024 season and beyond. Current and former players have given their approval for Robinson to remain in College Station in some capacity.
