Texas A&M will reportedly hire Mike Elko to be its next defensive coordinator, according to Billy Liucci of TexAgs.com.
Elko was most recently the defensive coordinator at Notre Dame and helped lead the Irish to a 9-3 record this season and a win over No. 17 LSU in the Citrus Bowl behind a stout defense that ranked 32nd in the country. Irish head coach Brian Kelly reportedly confirmed that Elko is leaving to take the job at Texas A&M.
The hiring of Elko for the Aggies figures to be a huge addition to the program as Elko was mentioned as a candidate for numerous open jobs across the country. Despite the strong interest in Elko, Kelly said last week that he believed Elko would remain at Notre Dame.
"At first glance, yeah, I think you're always on guard [about losing a coach], especially the defensive coordinator position," Kelly told Irish Illustrated on December 26. "Mike came in, did a really good job. His name was out there, but he's gonna be here at Notre Dame."
The program moved quickly on to Elko after LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda reportedly turned down the Aggies' offer to remain at LSU. Prior to coaching at Notre Dame, Elko was the defensive coordinator at Wake Forest for three seasons.
