Texas A&M has released its first statement since the hiring of Duke's Milke Elco as its next head football coach. The Aggies released a statement earlier this morning officially announcing the hire and athletic director Ross Bjork spoke glowingly of Elco as the next leader of the program.

“Coach Mike Elko is one of the best leaders and coaches in college football and has had high-level success at each stop of his career,” he said in the statement. “He is known amongst coaching circles as one of the best defensive minds in the country and has shown his ability to lead and turn around a program as a Power 5 head coach.”

Bjork added, “Coach Elko has a vision for Aggie football and a specific plan for innovation and greatness which is exactly what our program needs right now to compete in the modern era of college athletics. We are fortunate to attract a head coach of his character, coaching acumen, recruiting experience in the SEC, winning formula, ability to develop players to their full potential, and love and familiarity with Aggieland and our University, which makes him a perfect match,” Bjork concluded. “We are excited to welcome Coach Elko and his family back to Aggieland and we cannot wait to get started.”

Texas A&M University president Mark A. Welsh also spoke about the hire, saying, “Coach Elko understands that fostering the growth of our student-athletes goes well beyond the playing field. He recognizes a successful athletics program requires nurturing athletic prowess while simultaneously instilling invaluable life skills and preparing them for facing challenges that will come after college. Further, Coach Elko knows Texas A&M and the 12th Man. I'm delighted that we will be welcoming him back to Aggieland. He also happens to be a world-class football coach! Betty and I are excited to welcome both Michelle and him back home.”

Elko is no stranger to the Aggies. He was a part of former head coach Jimbo Fisher's staff from 2018-2021. He was a semifinalist for the Frank Broyles Award, given to the top assistant coach in FCS football. He then was hired as head coach of Duke in 2021, leading them to two straight bowl games and a 4-0 start in the 2023 seasons that saw them upset ninth-ranked Clemson to kick off the season.  They ultimately finished the season 7-5.