Mike Elko explains how Duke is handling preseason hype after surprise Year 1

Expectations were low for head coach Mike Elko and Duke entering 2022. In one of the best surprises of the season, the Blue Devils were one of the better teams in the ACC. With that, have come much higher expectations for the 2023 season.

At the 2023 ACC Football Kickoff, Elko explained how Duke is handling that preseason hype.

“Last year, there was so much negative publicity around our program,” Mike Elko said. “We had to block it out. We had to talk to our guys a lot about what we do is what we do and nobody really knows. We got to become who we are capable become and go out there, get on those stages, and showcase it. Now, it’s just flipped.”

Elko inherited a team that went 3-9 in 2021. He immediately turned them into a 9-4 team that won the Military Bowl. It was a massive turnaround job that is going to be difficult to build on.

“We’re saying basically, those same people that are telling you how good you are, they still don’t know. We still have to put the work in, we still have to go out and execute. We still got to make sure we’re doing the things day in and day out we can to become the best program we are capable of becoming. I think we got versed at really blocking the outside noise last year for the wrong reasons,” Elko said.

“We’re just trying to apply that this year to what is a much more positive publicity of our program going into the season.”

In just one season at Duke, Mike Elko proved successful enough that, when combined with his background at academically-minded schools and as a defensive coordinator, he’s already been rumored for the Northwestern job.

Mike Elko signed a contract extension at Duke

Shortly before the 2023 ACC Football Kickoff, Mike Elko signed a contract extension with the Duke Blue Devils. This, notably, will keep him in Durham through the 2029 season.

“Sincere thanks to Dr. (Vincent) Price and Nina (King) for their commitment not only to me but also the football staff and entire program we have here at Duke,” Elko said in a statement.

“This will enable us to continue to build elite opportunities for our young men to develop and succeed at one of the most prestigious universities in the country. We came here with a mission to create a program that could become the absolute Best of Both Worlds, and this is another step in that direction. The future of Duke Football is extremely bright.”

On3’s Griffin McVeigh contributed to this article.