Texas A&M Welcomes Back Mike Elko as Head Football Coach

In a significant coaching development, Texas A&M University has officially welcomed back Mike Elko as its head football coach. Director of Athletics Ross Bjork made the announcement on Monday, marking Elko's return to Aggieland after a successful stint as the defensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021.

"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," praised Bjork. "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."

Elko, who most recently served as the head coach at Duke University for the past two seasons, achieved notable success with the Blue Devils. In 2022, he earned the ACC Coach of the Year title as Duke finished with a remarkable 9-4 record, securing a bowl victory over UCF in the Military Bowl. Despite facing challenges, including key injuries in the 2023 season, Elko guided Duke to a solid 7-5 record in the regular season.

Bjork emphasized Elko's vision for Aggie football, stating, "Coach Elko has a vision for Aggie football and a specific plan for innovation and greatness, which is exactly what our program needs right now to compete in the modern era of college athletics."

Elko's familiarity with Aggieland and the university, coupled with his coaching acumen, recruiting experience in the SEC, and proven ability to develop players, made him the ideal choice for the head coaching position. Texas A&M is enthusiastic about Elko's return and looks forward to building on the successes he previously contributed to during his time as defensive coordinator.

Before his tenure at Duke, Elko served as the defensive coordinator at Notre Dame in 2017, earning recognition as a semifinalist for the Broyles Award. His coaching journey includes significant roles at Wake Forest, Bowling Green, Hofstra, Richmond, Fordham, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

Elko's impact at Texas A&M as the defensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021 was evident, contributing to the team's four straight bowl trips and an overall record of 34-14. His defensive prowess played a crucial role in the Aggies finishing the 2020 season with a 9-1 record and an Orange Bowl victory.

The return of Elko follows the departure of Jimbo Fisher on November 12, with Texas A&M opting for a change in leadership. Elko's familiarity with the program and the 12th Man, coupled with his coaching excellence, positions him as a key figure in the future of Aggie football.

Texas A&M looks forward to the upcoming chapter under Elko's leadership, confident that his experience and dedication will contribute to the program's success. The Aggies are excited to welcome Coach Elko and his family back to Aggieland and eagerly anticipate the positive impact he will bring to the football program.

About Mike Elko:

• Born: July 28, 1977
• Hometown: South Brunswick, N.J.
• College: Penn (1999)
• Wife: Michelle
• Children: Michael, Andrew, and Kaitlyn

Coaching Career Highlights:

• 2022-23: Head Coach, Duke University
• 2018-21: Defensive Coordinator/Safeties, Texas A&M
• 2017: Defensive Coordinator, Notre Dame
• 2014-16: Defensive Coordinator/Safeties, Wake Forest
• 2012-13: Defensive Coordinator/Safeties, Bowling Green
• 2009-11: Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers, Bowling Green
• 2008: Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers, Hofstra
• 2006-07: Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers, Hofstra
• 2006: Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs, Hofstra
• 2005: Special Teams/Recruiting Coordinator, Richmond
• 2004: Linebackers/Recruiting Coordinator, Richmond
• 2003: Co-Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers, Fordham
• 2002: Linebackers, Fordham
• 2001: Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
• 2000: Defensive Backs, Penn
• 1999: Graduate Assistant/Inside Linebackers, Stony Brook

Postseason Experience:

• Various bowl games, including the Military Bowl, Orange Bowl, TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl, and more.
• NCAA Division I-AA Quarterfinals in 2002 and 2005.