Reports: Texas A&M to hire Notre Dame's Mike Elko as defensive coordinator

Mike Elko spent one season as the defensive coordinator at Notre Dame. (Becky Malewitz/South Bend Tribune via AP, File)

its pursuit of LSU’s Dave Aranda fell through</a>, Texas A&M reportedly had another option on the table." data-reactid="22">After its pursuit of LSU’s Dave Aranda fell through, Texas A&M reportedly had another option on the table.

first reported by TexAgs.com. </a>" data-reactid="23">According to multiple outlets, A&M has hired Mike Elko away from Notre Dame to be the Aggies’ defensive coordinator under new head coach Jimbo Fisher. The news was first reported by TexAgs.com.

spent just one season at Notre Dame</a> after a three-year stint at Wake Forest and five years at Bowling Green, both under Dave Clawson. At Notre Dame, he inherited a unit that struggled in 2016 amid the Irish’s disastrous 4-8 season." data-reactid="24">Elko spent just one season at Notre Dame after a three-year stint at Wake Forest and five years at Bowling Green, both under Dave Clawson. At Notre Dame, he inherited a unit that struggled in 2016 amid the Irish’s disastrous 4-8 season.

dramatic Citrus Bowl victory over LSU</a> on Monday." data-reactid="25">With Elko running things, the Irish moved up from No. 57 nationally in scoring defense in 2016 to No. 27 this year. The defense also improved from No. 44 to No. 25 in yards per play allowed and No. 55 to No. 30 in opponents third down percentage. Notre Dame finished the season with a 10-3 record after a dramatic Citrus Bowl victory over LSU on Monday.

told Irish Illustrated</a> that Elko was not going anywhere. At the time, A&M apparently had been pushing for Elko’s services." data-reactid="26">The reported news of Elko’s hire comes a week after Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly told Irish Illustrated that Elko was not going anywhere. At the time, A&M apparently had been pushing for Elko’s services.

Another program might be able to pay Elko more, but Kelly believes the fit with Elko at Notre Dame is a match that will endure. In fact, Kelly said he expects all 10 assistants back, starting with that Broyles Award contender.

“Yeah, it’s been a challenge, but we’ll all be together,” Kelly said. “At first glance, yeah, I think you’re always on guard (about losing a coach), especially the defensive coordinator position. Mike came in, did a really good job. His name was out there, but he’s gonna be here at Notre Dame.”

Texas A&M gave Fisher a guaranteed 10-year, $75 million deal, so it’s a safe bet to say Elko will be well compensated at his new school. The Aggies came after Aranda with big money, prompting LSU to make him the highest-paid assistant in college football at more than $2 million annually.

In 2017, Texas A&M was No. 78 overall in total defense, giving up an average of 408.5 yards per game. The Aggies finished the year with a 7-6 record. Kevin Sumlin was fired after the regular season finale. He had a 51-26 (25-23 SEC) record with the Aggies.

– – – – – – –" data-reactid="33">– – – – – – –

Sam Cooper</a></strong> is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!" data-reactid="34">Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!

Follow @SamDCooper</a>" data-reactid="35">Follow @SamDCooper

Let's block ads! (Why?)