The Duke football program is searching for their new head coach after Mike Elko left the team for the Texas A&M Aggies. Elko spent two years with the Blue Devils, helping them to back-to-back winning seasons. Duke athletic director Nina King provided a statement amid Elko's departure.

Duke appreciates Mike Elko amid his departure to Texas A&M

King addressed Elko's time with Duke in a press conference:

“[Coach Elko] worked tirelessly in his two seasons here to truly elevate our Duke football program. So, we are really appreciative of Mike and the work he did here,” King said, per the football program's X account.

The Duke AD continued, “Mike and I had great conversations, including into the late hours of [Sunday] night relative to the investment, the growth, and the support from this university and our administration for the Duke football program….We wish him and his family the best in College Station.”

King emphasized the athletic department's focus on ensuring student-athletes on the team have what they need to finish the semester well and to compete for their upcoming Bowl game. Naturally, the program has begun a swift search for its next head coach.

The Blue Devils finished the 2023-24 regular season with a record of 7-5 and were eighth in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Nevertheless, the program wants to continue building.

Meanwhile, Mike Elko joins the mighty SEC to translate his work to the Texas A&M Aggies. The Aggies also finished with a record of 7-5, but the program wants to take a new direction after parting ways with six-year coach Jimbo Fisher.

All in all, the Duke football program looks to be in good hands as it searches for a new leader.