Mike Elko, Texas A&M leadership partake in Aggie tradition amid introductory press conference

Former Duke head coach Mike Elko was introduced on Monday as Texas A&M‘s new head football coach following to the program firing Jimbo Fisher in the midst of his sixth season with the team.

Elko spent the last two years as Duke’s head coach, but prior to his stint with the Blue Devils, he was actually the Aggies defensive coordinator for four seasons.

His prior experience in College Station clearly showed in his introductory press conference, as Elko was seen arm in arm with Texas A&M’s leadership as they all sang the infamous ‘Aggie War Hymn’ in an amusing moment that can be seen below.

Mike Elko introductory press conference at Texas A&M

Safe to say it’s a joyful afternoon pic.twitter.com/z5LFDOeQv9

— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) November 27, 2023

Texas A&M’s traditions are perceived as strange to some, including Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin. But Elko reestablishing and immersing himself back into their culture is surely a positive sign for Aggies’ fans and supporters.

Along with his understanding of the program’s culture, Elko brings over a decade of defensive coordinator experience outside of his tenure with Texas A&M including stops at Notre Dame, Wake Forest, and Bowling Green. He’s a former semifinalist for the Broyles Award and was named ACC Coach of the Year in 2022, and is now hoping to add some more awards to his trophy case while taking the Texas A&M program to new heights in the process.

“Coach Mike Elko is one of the best leaders and coaches in college football and has had high-level success at each stop of his career,” Texas A&M Director of Athletics Ross Bjork said in a statement. “He is known amongst coaching circles as one of the best defensive minds in the country and has shown his ability to lead and turn around a program as a Power 5 head coach. Coach Elko has a vision for Aggie football, and a specific plan for innovation and greatness which is exactly what our program needs right now to compete in the modern era of college athletics.” 

Aggies’ Interim President Mark A. Welsh III also chimed in on the hiring of Elko, showing his full support for Bjork’s hire which had many swaying side to side and singing in College Station on Monday.

“Director of Athletics Ross Bjork’s unwavering dedication to the success of our athletics program truly hits a high point with this hire,” Welsh III said. “Coach Elko understands that fostering the growth of our student-athletes goes well beyond the playing field. He recognizes a successful athletics program requires nurturing athletic prowess while simultaneously instilling invaluable life skills and preparing them for facing challenges that will come after college. Further, Coach Elko knows Texas A&M and the 12^th Man. I’m delighted that we will be welcoming him back to Aggieland. He also happens to be a world-class football coach! Betty and I are excited to welcome both Michelle and him back home.”