Texas A&M Finalizing Record Deal for Coach Mike Elko

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Texas A&M is finalizing a six-year contract extension for head coach Mike Elko that is expected to make him one of the five highest-paid coaches in college football, sources confirmed. The deal, which was first reported by Yahoo Sports, is set to average over $11 million per season.

Elko, 48, has led the Aggies to an impressive 9-0 start this season, ranking No. 3 in the College Football Playoff standings. A victory in their upcoming game against South Carolina would mark the Aggies’ first 10-win season since 2012 and only the second since 2000. Texas A&M has not started 10-0 since 1992, a feat accomplished just three times in school history.

Previously, Elko served as the defensive coordinator at Texas A&M under former head coach Jimbo Fisher and earned the ACC Coach of the Year title during his tenure at Duke. In two seasons in College Station, Elko has compiled a 17-5 record.

The looming contract extension comes at a time when several major college programs are searching for new head coaches. However, it appears Texas A&M is committed to retaining Elko, especially as he has helped elevate the team’s performance this season.

“To be a top-five paid head coach would put Elko’s salary above Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian’s $10.8 million per year,” noted ESPN’s Pete Thamel during a segment of College GameDay.

Elko’s leadership has been pivotal for Texas A&M as they strive for a possible College Football Playoff appearance. The Aggies are set to face three remaining opponents: South Carolina, Samford, and a rivalry game against No. 10 Texas.

Looking ahead to their matchup against South Carolina, Elko remains cautious, highlighting that Gamecock quarterback LaNorris Sellers poses a serious threat despite the team’s 3-6 record this season. “Our kids better see the same kid, because he absolutely lit us up last year,” Elko said, referring to their previous encounter with South Carolina.

With the contract extension in place, Elko and the Aggies can now focus on their pursuit of an SEC Championship, something the program has never achieved before.