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ESPN's Pete Thamel suggested the outcome of Texas A&M's contest against LSU in Week 9 would have major consequences for the college football coaching carousel. If the Aggies defeated the Tigers, head coach Mike Elko was in line for a big contract extension. More News: LSU Linked to Ultimate Anti-Brian Kelly Candidate Texas A&M's 49-25 win over LSU had dire consequences for Brian Kelly. The Tigers fired the head coach before he could finish his fourth season in Baton Rouge. However, the Aggies did not announce a contract extension for Elko during their bye in Week 10. Elko's name has been tied to Penn State after the firing of James Franklin in October. Elko, a native of South Brunswick, New Jersey, played safety at Penn and has family ties to the East Coast. Despite Elko suggesting he wants to stay at College Station, the rumors of him potentially leaving for PSU will continue to grow until he signs a contract extension. More News: Auburn Given College Football Playoff Warning After Firing Hugh Freeze On Monday, Pete Nakos of On3 reported that his sources are indicating Elko is a top candidate for the Nittany Lions. PSU "changed the scope" of their national coaching search after Nebraska gave Matt Rhule a contract extension and Indiana gave Curt Cignetti a new deal. "Elko is in the midst of an 8-0 start to his second season in College Station, and his team will likely make the College Football Playoff," Nakos wrote. "It would be an impressive move if Penn State were able to convince Elko to leave Texas A&M, where he has some of the top NIL resources in the country. "He’s a New Jersey native and has posted a 32–14 record as an FBS head coach." The bye week appeared to be a perfect time for the Aggies to lock down Elko with a contract extension and shut down any possible distraction about their head coach before making a run for the SEC championship and CFP. That didn't happen. Texas A&M will travel to play No. 19 Missouri on Saturday before hosting South Carolina on Nov. 15. The Aggies will then finish the regular season by hosting Samford on Nov. 22 and traveling to play No. 13 Texas on Nov. 28.
