Duke football’s head coach, Mike Elko, made an unexpected move in the early hours of Sunday, flying with his family from Durham to College Station on a private plane. This transition marks his official appointment as the next head coach for the Texas A&M Aggies, with the formal announcement expected on Monday.
The discreet arrival took place at around 3:00 a.m. ET, with only Elko, his wife, children, Texas A&M athletic director Ross Bjork, and select members of the Aggie athletic department present. Elko’s decision to join Texas A&M materialized after Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops turned down the position on Saturday night.
Despite previous assurances that he would remain with the Blue Devils, Elko’s history with Texas A&M, where he served as the defensive coordinator for four seasons, played a significant role in his decision. Texas A&M recently dismissed Jimbo Fisher, carrying a hefty $76 million buyout, the largest in college football history.
Reports circulated on Sunday afternoon that Elko informed his Duke players and coaches about the Texas A&M job offer, indicating a decision within 24 hours. While the anticipation leans towards Elko accepting the position, his discreet departure from Duke in the early morning hours may leave a sour impression on Blue Devil supporters. Elko, who earned ACC Coach of the Year in his first season with Duke, is expected to be officially introduced as Texas A&M’s head coach in a press conference on Monday afternoon.