Texas A&M Aggies Officially Announce Hiring Of Mike Elko

Mike Elko has been named the 30th head coach in Texas A&M Aggies program history.

The Texas A&M Aggies officially have their next football coach. 

Duke's Mike Elko was named the 30th coach in program history, A&M athletic director Ross Bjork announced Monday morning. Elko served as Jimbo Fisher's defensive coordinator from 2018-2021 before being offered the Blue Devils job. 

“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,” 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.”

One of the best leaders and coaches in college football has been named the next head football coach at Texas A&M.

Welcome back to Aggieland, @CoachMikeElko!

🔗 » https://t.co/ARPmQHOTX1 | #GigEm pic.twitter.com/x89fVDfnzw

— Texas A&M Football (@AggieFootball) November 27, 2023

Elko immediately transformed the Blue Devils from a three-win roster into a legitimate threat to win in the ACC in 2022. He was named ACC Coach of the Year after guiding the Blue Devils to their first nine-win season since 2014. 

Elko finished 16-9 during his two seasons with the Blue Devils. Duke began the year 4-0 and was ranked as high as No. 17 in the AP Poll before quarterback Riley Leonard suffered a lower-body injury derailing the season. The Blue Devils finished 7-5, and nearly pulled off upset wins over No. 11 Notre Dame and No. 24 North Carolina. 

Elko garnered national buzz after Duke upset then-No. 9 Clemson 28-7 in Week 1 at Wallace Wade Stadium. 

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

“We are fortunate to attract a head coach of his character, coaching acumen, recruiting experience in the SEC, winning formula, ability to develop players to their full potential and a love and familiarity with Aggieland and our University, which makes him a perfect match,” Bjork said. “We are excited to welcome Coach Elko and his family back to Aggieland and we cannot wait to get started.”

Hired by Fisher following a one-year stay at Notre Dame, Elko transformed A&M's defense into a powerhouse in the SEC. During his four seasons commanding one side of the ball, the Aggies posted a 34-14 record. 

Since Elko's departure, A&M has gone 12-12. Fisher, who was fired following a 51-10 win against Mississippi State, went 11-11 during that span.

The Aggies finished 9-1 in 2020 with an Orange Bowl victory. Elko was a semifinalist for the Frank Broyles Award, the nation’s top assistant coach, in 2021. A&M finished No. 3 nationally in scoring defense, allowing under 16 points per game.

The Aggies also finished ninth nationally in pass efficiency defense and No. 7 red zone defense. A&M's defense finished sixth in yards allowed per play (4.66 yards), 18th in total sacks (39) and 30th in tackles for loss (88). 

Elko was named a semifinalist for the Broyles Award in 2017 during his lone season under Brian Kelly, helping the Fighting Irish finish 10-3 with a win over LSU in the Citrus Bowl. He also served as defensive coordinator under Dave Clawson at Fordham (2002-03), Richmond (2004-05), Bowling Green (2009-13), and Wake Forest (2014-16). 

A native of South Brunswick, New Jersey, Elko graduated from Penn with a bachelor’s degree in history in 1999. As a safety, he helped the Quakers win the 1998 Ivy League championship.

Elko is married to the former Michelle Madison and they are the parents of three children: Michael, Andrew and Kaitlyn.

Social Media Reacts to Texas A&M's Plans to Hire Mike Elko as Head Football Coach

“Director of Athletics Ross Bjork’s unwavering dedication to the success of our athletics program truly hits a high point with this hire,” Interim President Mark A. Welsh III said. “Coach Elko understands that fostering the growth of our student-athletes goes well beyond the playing field. He recognizes a successful athletics program requires nurturing athletic prowess while simultaneously instilling invaluable life skills and preparing them for facing challenges that will come after college. Further, Coach Elko knows Texas A&M and the 12th Man. I’m delighted that we will be welcoming him back to Aggieland. He also happens to be a world-class football coach! Betty and I are excited to welcome both Michelle and him back home.”

A welcome celebration will be held at Kyle Field’s Ford Hall of Champions (Entry 3) off Wellborn Road at 3 p.m. on Monday. The general public is welcome to attend.