
Play-off specialist Neil seeks 'moment of magic' to take Millwall to Wembley
Millwall aims for Wembley as Alex Neil leads in play-offs
Texas A&M coach Mike Elko enters his third season with heightened expectations after leading the team to its first College Football Playoff. Elko's coaching style and personality have made him a fan favorite despite a challenging first season.
Mentioned in this story
Five months into the 2026 offseason, Texas A&M coach Mike Elko enters his third season at the helm with even higher expectations after leading the Aggies to the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history. Less than a month after the annual Maroon & White Game, Elko and his staff have a better understanding of how far along the revamped roster is heading into the summer.
After being hired just weeks before the conclusion of Texas A&M's 2023 season, Elko was oddly not the first choice for former Athletic Director Ross Bjork, who instead focused on now former Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops, but after relentless pushback from the fanbase, a sudden change of heart resulted in the then Duke head coach making his way back to College Station.
After serving four seasons under Fisher as Texas A&M's defensive coordinator, Elko became a fan favorite due to his focused yet jovial personality, exotic pass-rush scheme, and passion for the program, which earned him early favoritism to take over for Fisher during Jimbo's late struggles.
During his first season with the Aggies, Elko led a team made up of 2023 returnees and 20-plus transfer portal additions to a 7-0 start, but due to star running back Le'Veon Moss's injury and issues in the secondary, Texas A&M finished the year a disappointing 8-5, including a miserable bowl game loss to USC.
However, things turned around instantly, returning more than 90% or the 2024 roster, while current starting quarterback Marcel Reed, who entered the 2024 campaign as the starter, took another step in his development after throwing for a career-high 3,169 yards and 25 touchdowns, connecting with star transfer wide receivers KC Concepcion and Mario Craver for nearly 2,000 combined yards.
Reaching 11-0 for the first time in the early 1990's, Texas A&M's first trip to the College Football Playoff was the icing on the cake of an already impressive second season under Mike Elko, and while his recent contract extension, now being paid $11.5 million per year, can be debated, the New Jersey native has become somewhat of a media favorite.
On Wednesday, SEC Network host Paul Finebaum sat down with the Crain brothers, heaping praise on Elko for his leadership, stating that Elko is a "masterclass in what a coach should look like." Here is the full clip for your viewing pleasure.
Expectations are high for Mike Elko as he enters his third season after leading Texas A&M to its first College Football Playoff.
Mike Elko was hired after fan pushback against the initial choice of Mark Stoops, leading to his appointment just weeks before the end of the 2023 season.
In his first season, Texas A&M started strong but finished 8-5 due to injuries, particularly to star running back Le'Veon Moss, and issues in the secondary.

Millwall aims for Wembley as Alex Neil leads in play-offs

Trainer Don Charles confirms no party for Dubois before Wardley fight
Luka Doncic receives votes as most overrated NBA player in poll.

Discover how Cesc FĂ bregas is transforming Como into a Serie A contender!
Fubo will allow users to buy its sports bundle through ESPN starting in 2027.
Who is the greatest pitcher that has dominated the Yankees?
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Paul Finebaum praises HC Mike Elko as 'masterclass' in coaching