Mike Elko, who served as Texas A&M’s defensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021, has been hired as the Aggies’ new head coach, the school announced on Monday. Elko replaces Jimbo Fisher, who was fired on Sunday after six seasons in College Station.
Elko, 46, spent the last two seasons as the head coach at Duke, where he led the Blue Devils to a 15-8 record and a Military Bowl victory in 2022. He was widely regarded as one of the best defensive minds in college football, having improved the Aggies’ defense from 78th in scoring defense in 2017 to 17th in 2021. He also coached several NFL draft picks, including DeMarvin Leal, Buddy Johnson and Leon O’Neal Jr.
“I am honored and humbled to return to Texas A&M as the head coach of this storied program,” Elko said in a statement. “I want to thank President Michael K. Young, Chancellor John Sharp and Director of Athletics Ross Bjork for this incredible opportunity. I also want to thank Duke University, President Vincent Price and Director of Athletics Nina King for their support and trust in me over the last two years. I have nothing but respect and gratitude for the Blue Devil family.”
Elko inherits a Texas A&M team that went 6-5 this season, including a 3-5 mark in the SEC. The Aggies started the season ranked sixth in the AP poll, but suffered losses to Arkansas, Mississippi State, Alabama, Ole Miss and LSU. Fisher, who signed a 10-year, $75 million contract in 2017, was fired with a 45-25 overall record and a 27-21 record in the SEC. He led the Aggies to a 9-1 season and an Orange Bowl win in 2020, but failed to win the SEC West or reach the College Football Playoff.
“Mike Elko is the perfect fit for Texas A&M,” Bjork said in a statement. “He knows our culture, our expectations and our vision. He is a proven winner, a leader and a developer of young men on and off the field. He has a track record of success at the highest level of college football and he will bring that same energy and passion to the Aggies. We are thrilled to welcome him back to Aggieland and we look forward to the future of Texas A&M football under his guidance.”
Elko will be formally introduced as Texas A&M’s head coach at a press conference on Tuesday. He will also begin assembling his staff and recruiting for the early signing period, which begins on Dec. 15. The Aggies currently have the 14th-ranked recruiting class in the nation, according to 247Sports. Elko will also prepare the team for its bowl game, which will be announced on Sunday.