Texas A&M’s Mike Elko Becomes a Model for Schools Making Coaching Hires
The Aggies’ recent victory over Missouri has strengthened their case for a top College Football Playoff (CFP) ranking. As Texas A&M’s offense thrives, Collin Klein is also emerging as a potential head coaching candidate.
COLUMBIA, Mo. Only one school can hire Lane Kiffin—if he leaves at all. From Gainesville to Baton Rouge, college football fans wonder whether their school can land Kiffin. It’s an understandable wish. Yet, there remain several name-brand programs making coaching hires who won’t be calling Kiffin.
Athletic directors ought to ask themselves: Is there another Mike Elko for the taking? Someone in the mold of Texas A&M’s head coach who might not be the flashiest pick but has what it takes to be a dynamite choice?
Hiring coaches is an inexact science—a glorified shot in the dark. As No. 3 Texas A&M continues its undefeated march toward the College Football Playoff after a 38-17 thumping of No. 17 Missouri, it’s worth remembering that the Aggies nearly screwed this up. They were far down the road toward hiring Kentucky’s Mark Stoops before pulling back at the last minute. The Aggies then recalibrated toward Elko.
We often hear about “fit” in the hiring process, but nothing fits better than winning. Elko, a New Jersey native and Ivy League graduate, a former Duke coach who’d worked under the fired Aggies coach he replaced, has quickly become the best fit for Texas A&M’s headset since R.C. Slocum. Who knew? Aggies fans who questioned the Stoops trial balloon might say they did.
Texas A&M Gives CFP Committee Something to Consider
Elko’s latest triumph may not be his crowning achievement, but his body of work gives the CFP committee something to consider next week, especially in light of Indiana’s struggles during their win at Penn State.
Should Texas A&M be bumped up to No. 2? There’s a case to be made, backed by strength of schedule—even if this win came against an opponent masquerading as a ranked team. Injuries forced Missouri to start its third-string quarterback, and their passing game became more theoretical than practical.
Representatives from the Citrus and Gator Bowls were on hand to witness Tigers freshman Matt Zollers complete just 7-of-22 passes. At this point, a Florida bowl game seems to be the best-case destination for Missouri—a team that once harbored longshot playoff aspirations.
Missouri’s silver lining? Three losses in the past four games make coach Eliah Drinkwitz a less attractive candidate for higher-profile programs. Tigers fans, relish him while you can.
Mike Elko Keeps Aggies Pointed Toward SEC Championship Game
In a victory marked by contributions in all three phases of the game, Texas A&M’s defense supplied a strip-sack, and the punt team flawlessly executed a fake that moved the chains on a scoring drive. My only criticism of Elko? Perhaps that fake should have been saved for the upcoming Texas game later this month.
Those are the minor quibbles left when a coach is 9-0 in his second season.
Elko has transformed a program that had long underachieved compared to its vast resource base, now punching well above its weight. If you’re waiting for the bottom to fall out, your wait continues.
With South Carolina and Samford up next, go ahead and write the Aggies into the playoff bracket—in Sharpie. It’s just a question of seeding now.
The Aggies continued to unveil an improved offense under Elko’s leadership. Though a defensive coordinator by trade, Elko has unleashed Marcel Reed. Under former coach Jimbo Fisher, inadequate quarterback development was a persistent issue. No more.
Reed’s efficient, workmanlike performance against a determined Missouri defense may not wow Heisman voters, but his 20 completions were enough to keep Texas A&M marching toward the SEC championship game.
Take Inspiration from Texas A&M’s Coaching Turnaround
Any school currently searching for a coach amid this unpredictable coaching carousel should draw inspiration from Texas A&M’s journey. Two years ago, the Aggies paid a staggering $77 million to part ways with Jimbo Fisher—a coach who ultimately underdelivered despite the resources available.
That buyout money became seed capital that landed Mike Elko. When Texas A&M hired Fisher, they awarded him a plaque with an empty space for the year of his first national championship team at the school. Think Elko might be the one to finally fill in that blank? Don’t rule it out. He’s exceeding just about every expectation for a program finally living up to its hype.