Texas A&M hires Duke's Mike Elko as head coach

Texas A&M paid Jimbo Fisher a record $76 million buyout to go away, only to bring in a defensive-minded Jimbo Fisher disciple — and his name isn’t Mark Stoops.

The Aggies are set to hire Duke’s Mike Elko as the program’s next head coach, according to a number of reports from local and national sources.

Elko was the defensive coordinator in College Station under Fisher from 2018-21 before taking the head coaching job at Duke. From there, he led the Blue Devils to a 9-4 record in year one — the team’s best since 2014 — then a 7-5 record this past season.

During his first run at A&M, Elko helped lead the Aggies to a 34-14 overall record, highlighted by a 9-1 Orange Bowl run in 2020.

Mark Stoops stays at Kentucky

Stoops emerged as the leading candidate for the job before talks broke down late Saturday evening. The Kentucky head coach released a statement in the early hours of Sunday morning.

“I know there’s been much speculation about me and my job situation the last couple of days. It’s true I was contacted about a potential opportunity this weekend, but after celebrating a big win against our rivals with players I love like family, I knew in my heart I couldn’t leave the University of Kentucky right now,” Stoops said. “I have a great job at a place I love, and I get to work with the best administration and greatest fan base in college football right where I’m at. I’m excited to say I’m a Wildcat!”

UK Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart expressed excitement in Stoops’ decision to stick around in Lexington.

“It’s a great day to be a Wildcat. Great Governor’s Cup win, (UK Football),” Barnhart wrote Sunday. “Excited to keep building our program with (Mark Stoops), the winningest coach in (UK Football) history. Thank you, #BBN, for your support throughout the season. We look forward to (bowl season) and 2024.”

KSR’s Matt Jones reported Sunday that “Mark Stoops was not given a raise or any incentive to stay at Kentucky.” He was, however, tentatively offered the job pending board approval — which may or may not have come — and was serious about it. Then things fell apart “just after midnight.”

From there, A&M moved quickly to hire another former defensive coordinator under Jimbo Fisher. Just not that defensive coordinator.

What a bizarre 24 hours.