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Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko is hot name in the college football coaching carousel this year. And for good reason, as the 48-year-old defensive mind has a history of success in his brief life as a head coach. Following impressive stints as defensive coordinator at Notre Dame (2017) and Texas A&M (2018-2021), Elko went 16-9 as the head coach of Duke before returning to College Station to replace his former boss, Jimbo Fisher. The Aggies went 8-5 in his first season as head coach in 2024. Texas A&M is 7-0 and ranked No. 3 in Week 9 after an impressive win against then-No. 8 Notre Dame on the road in Week 3. COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – AUGUST 30: Head coach Mike Elko of the Texas A&M Aggies looks on during the second half against the UTSA Roadrunners at Kyle Field on August 30, 2025 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Maria Lysaker/Getty Images) Because of Texas A&M’s ascendance in college football, Elko’s name has been linked to high-profile jobs like Penn State. Elko, a native of South Brunswick, New Jersey, has ties to the East Coast and played safety at Penn. During his news conference on Monday, Elko responded to a question about his potential candidacy with the Nitanny Lions. “I don’t discuss it with my players,” Elko said. “I think it’s absolutely hilarious how you guys cover coaches. I think three weeks ago, I was getting fired. Now, I’m getting hired. Now, you don’t want me to stay but I’m leaving. It’s absolutely hilarious. “It is a waste of brain space to spend any time talking or thinking about any of that stupidity.” Here is the full question and answer about Mike Elko being mentioned as a candidate for the Penn State job. pic.twitter.com/Wj2jVEoZRy— Drewtamu (@Drewtamu) October 20, 2025 Elko’s resposne was more of a non-answer than an outright denial of his interest in taking another job. In late November of 2023 he indicated his intention to return to Duke before taking the job at Texas A&M a few days later. For now, Elko has big things for this season to worry about. He has the Aggies in contention for the SEC championship and to make a long run in the College Football Playoff. Texas A&M will play No. 20 LSU on Saturday in Baton Rouge before having a bye in Week 10. The Aggies will finish the regular season in November against No. 15 Missouri, South Carolina, Samford and No. 22 Texas. For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.
