Texas A&M football coach Mike Elko is reportedly in the final stages of negotiating a contract extension with the university, multiple sources indicate. The proposed six-year extension is set to come with a substantial pay raise, positioning him among the top five highest-paid coaches in college football, according to ESPN.
Elko had been earning $7 million annually, which ranked him 32nd among head coaches in the nation according to USA TODAY Sports’ salary database. This substantial increase reflects the impressive performance of the Aggies under his leadership.
In just his second season with Texas A&M, Elko has guided the team to an undefeated 9-0 record, marking the team’s best start since 1992. With the Aggies viewed as a strong candidate for a College Football Playoff berth in 2025, optimism surrounding the program is on the rise.
Before joining Texas A&M, Elko served as the head coach at Duke for two seasons and had a previous stint as the defensive coordinator at Texas A&M under former head coach Jimbo Fisher from 2018 to 2021. His extensive coaching career also includes roles at Notre Dame, Wake Forest, Bowling Green, and Hofstra.
Despite circulating rumors linking him to potential high-profile coaching vacancies, including Penn State due to his connections as a former player there, Elko has remained focused on his current position. His record at Texas A&M stands at an impressive 17-5, following an 8-5 finish in the 2024 season.
The impending contract extension not only signifies the university’s confidence in Elko’s abilities but also hints at a promising future for Texas A&M football.