Duke Blue Devils' Mike Elko Discusses Texas A&M Aggies' Job Opening Rumors

Elko served as Texas A&M's defensive coordinator from 2018-2021 under Jimbo Fisher.

As Texas A&M's head coaching search continues to heat up, more candidates are coming out with statements on their current employment.

Duke's Mike Elko was the latest to chime in on his name being linked to the Aggies' opening following the firing of Jimbo Fisher. For now, the second-year Blue Devils coach is focused on closing the season out with back-to-back wins against Virginia and Pitt. 

“It’s a profession where people just like to put stuff out there,” Elko told media that covers Duke. “I’m very committed to this place. Everybody knows I’m very happy at this place. We’re doing a lot of really special things at this place. My family’s very happy here. We love Duke. We love everything this place (stands) for. 

“When you’re doing the job well, everybody thinks you’re leaving. When you’re doing your job bad, everybody thinks you’re leaving.” 

Elko, who served as Texas A&M's defensive coordinator for four seasons, has breathed new life into the Blue Devils' program. Duke finished 9-4 last season with a 30-13 Miltary Bowl victory over UCF. Elko was named ACC Coach of the Year for turning a program that won 10 games in the final three seasons under David Cutcliffe into an ACC dark horse.

Duke (6-4, 3-3 SEC) continues to make waves in 2023 despite losing standout quarterback Riley Leonard. The Blue Devils forced in-state rival UNC to double-overtime behind third-string quarterback Grayson Loftis and nearly pulled off their second major upset against a top-25 opponent.

The Blue Devils defeated then-No. 9 Clemson for perhaps the most significant win in program history. Through two seasons, Elko, 46, is 15-8. 

“I'm obviously not oblivious to it, and we certainly have addressed it just because it needs to be addressed, but I don't know where that stuff comes from. Certainly, nobody ever asked my opinion on what I think about things."

Elko's knowledge and personable style bodes well on the recruiting trail, as it did during his time at Texas A&M. He continues to land higher-ranked players than in years past, primarily on the offensive side under offensive coordinator Kevin Johns. 

Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Elko before the first half of the game against North Carolina State Wolfpack at Wallace Wade Stadium / Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports

Duke is currently 42nd in the On3 recruiting rankings with 22 recruits. Prior to Fisher's dismissal, A&M ranked eighth. 

After leading the Blue Devils to their seventh nine-plus wins, Elko was given an extension through 2029. Because Duke is a private university, it does not have to reveal Elko's salary or buyout clause to the public. 

During his time at Texas A&M, the Aggies dominated the SEC defensively. In 2020, A&M finished ninth nationally in total defense (317.3 yards per game) and second in run defense (99.1 yards per game). In 2021, the Aggies ranked 14th in total yards allowed (327.5) and third in scoring (15.3 points per game).

This isn't the first time Elko's name has been linked to openings this offseason. After the firing of Mel Tucker, Elko was pinned as the top candidate in East Lansing. He has experience on the recruiting trail in the Midwest after serving as Notre Dame's defensive coordinator under Brian Kelly in 2017. 

Elko also was Bowling Green's defensive coordinator under Dave Clawson from 2009-13. 

The Aggies have the funds to pay any buyout in the country, including Elko's unknown number. Athletic director Ross Bjork said he hopes to have a replacement for Fisher by early December, but that can change depending on viable candidates. 

Other names being linked to A&M's opening include Oregon's Dan Lanning, UTSA's Jeff Traylor, Ole Miss' Lane Kiffin, Kansas' Lance Leipold, Kansas State's Chris Klieman and Georgia defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann, among others. 

The Aggies return to Kyle Field under interim coach Elijah Robinson for their home finale against Abilene Christian. Robinson, one of the nation's top recruiters and defensive line coaches, will serve as the acting coach through A&M's final three games.