Mike Elko signs contract extension with Texas A&M in latest college football coaching carousel twist

Texas A&M and coach Mike Elko have agreed to a contract extension that makes him one of the 10 highest-paid coaches in college football, the school announced on Saturday. The deal was announced shortly after the No. 3 Aggies completed the largest comeback in school history, storming back from a 27-point deficit in the second to defeat South Carolina. The extension solidifies Elko's long-term role at Texas A&M amid a coaching carousel full of turbulence. 

Since arriving in College Station, Elko compiled a 17-5 overall record, quickly leading the Aggies into national contender status. Texas A&M is off to a 9-0 start and sits No. 3 in the College Football Playoff rankings, putting the program on the verge of its first CFP appearance and SEC Championship Game appearance. The new deal comes as Elko's profile surged, making the timing a strategic move for Texas A&M to prevent suitors from entering the picture, specifically Penn State, a program seen as a natural fit because of Elko's long-standing connections to the Northeast.

"I want to extend my sincere appreciation to interim President Tommy Williams, Chancellor Glenn Hegar, the Texas A&M Board of Regents, and Director of Athletics Trev Alberts for their confidence in me and our staff for the direction we're taking this program," Elko said in a statement. "Texas A&M has the potential to be one of the nation's premier football brands and a consistent contender for championships. This commitment of resources allows us to continue elevating our program toward that goal. From day one, our mission has been to establish a standard of excellence that reflects the passion and pride of the 12th Man, and this support moves us even further along that path."

Elko earns roughly $7 million annually on a heavily incentive-based contract -- one that ranked him just 32nd among FBS head coaches. The new agreement, however, is expected to include a substantial increase in guaranteed compensation, according to Yahoo Sports, elevating him into the top tier of coaching salaries across the country.

The commitment reflects both Texas A&M's belief in Elko's long-term vision and the broader landscape of this coaching cycle, where few established candidates have been available for major openings. Holding onto Elko not only stabilizes the program but also secures continuity at a time when the Aggies appear to be trending toward their most promising season in decades.

Elko quickly reshaped Texas A&M into a physical team that mirrors the defensive identity he built during earlier stops at Duke and during his previous stint as the Aggies' defensive coordinator. With recruiting momentum building and national relevance restored, the Aggies are moving to ensure that Elko remains the face of the program well beyond 2025.