Texas A&M Former Coach Set to Return to the Team for the Second Time

College Station, TX – In a major development for Texas A&M football, former defensive coordinator and head coach Mike Elko is set to return to lead the Aggies for the second time. The move comes after a period of uncertainty surrounding the program following the departure of former head coach Jimbo Fisher.

Elko, who previously served as Texas A&M’s defensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021, was instrumental in shaping one of the top defenses in college football during his tenure. He later moved on to become the head coach at Duke University, where he made an immediate impact, leading the Blue Devils to a 16–9 record over two seasons. His success at Duke solidified his reputation as one of the most promising head coaches in the sport.

Elko’s Return Sparks Excitement

The announcement of Elko’s return has been met with enthusiasm from both fans and players. His defensive strategies and leadership qualities were widely respected during his previous stint with the Aggies. Many current and former players have expressed excitement about working with him again.

Upon his official reintroduction, Elko addressed the Texas A&M community with a strong message of commitment. “We can’t just say we want to be great. We have to commit to the process every single day. That’s the culture we’re going to build here,” he stated.

Texas A&M Athletic Director Ross Bjork also praised Elko’s return, noting that his familiarity with the program, the players, and the expectations make him the ideal candidate to lead the team forward.

Challenges Ahead for Elko

Elko inherits a team that has shown flashes of potential but has struggled with consistency. Texas A&M has not lived up to expectations in recent seasons, and the departure of Jimbo Fisher left many questioning the program’s direction. Fisher, who led Florida State to a national championship in 2013 before taking over at Texas A&M, was let go after back-to-back underwhelming seasons.

Despite the challenges, Elko remains optimistic about the future. “This is a program with elite talent and incredible resources. We have everything we need to compete at the highest level. Now, it’s about putting in the work,” he said.

Key Hires and Upcoming Season

One of Elko’s first moves as head coach has been to assemble a strong coaching staff. He recently hired veteran strength and conditioning coach Tommy Moffitt, who previously worked at LSU for 21 years and is known for developing physically dominant teams. Moffitt expressed excitement about joining Texas A&M, stating, “I’m hungrier than ever to get back to work and help build something special here.”

The Aggies’ schedule for the upcoming season includes high-profile matchups, including the long-awaited revival of their rivalry with the University of Texas. After a 12-year hiatus, the two powerhouse programs will meet again in what is expected to be one of the most intense games of the year.

Can Elko Restore Texas A&M’s Glory?

Texas A&M has long been considered a sleeping giant in college football, with top-tier facilities, passionate fans, and a recruiting pipeline capable of competing with the best in the nation. However, the program has struggled to maintain consistent success at the highest level.

Elko’s return brings hope that he can be the leader to finally unlock the team’s full potential. With a strong defensive mindset, a commitment to player development, and the support of the Texas A&M community, his second stint with the Aggies could mark the beginning of a new era.

As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Elko and his team to see if they can rise to the challenge and bring Texas A&M back into the national spotlight.