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Notre Dame Football – Report: Texas A&M Pursuing Mike Elko For Defensive Coordinator Position

By Andrew Hall

SOUTH BEND, IN - NOVEMBER 04: The macot, cheerleaders and players forthe Notre Dame Fighting Irish run onto the field before a game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Notre Dame Stadium on November 4, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Wake Forest 48-37. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - NOVEMBER 04: The macot, cheerleaders and players forthe Notre Dame Fighting Irish run onto the field before a game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Notre Dame Stadium on November 4, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Wake Forest 48-37. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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Notre Dame fights to hold on to one of the top assistants in the country.

According to a report by Pete Sampson of Irish Illustrated, new Texas A&M Head Coach Jimbo Fisher approached Notre Dame Defensive Coordinator Mike Elko about the same position in College Station.

However, according to Sampson, Elko and all ten assistants plan to return to Notre Dame in 2018.

“At first glance, yeah, I think you’re always on guard (about losing a coach), especially the defensive coordinator position. Mike came in, did a really good job. His name was out there, but he’s gonna be here at Notre Dame,” Kelly told Irish Illustrated.

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Although a frustration for Kelly and a worry for Irish fans, it clearly demonstrates that Elko is the right man for the job. He draws interest from some of the top coaches and programs in the country. Jimbo Fisher, one of only a handful coaches to win a national title, pursued one of the top assistants in the nation.

Elko clearly turned around the Notre Dame football defense in a matter of a season. In 2016 under Brian VanGorder then Mike Elston, the Irish allowed 27.8 points per game. This season, Notre Dame yielded 21.8 points per contest. Further, Elko developed depth at all levels on the defense.

The former Wake Forest Defensive Coordinator also cranked up the pressure for Notre Dame. In 2016, the Irish only generated 14 sacks. Under Elko, Notre Dame sacked the Quarterback on 22 occasions.

Regardless of whether Elko stays or goes, the Fighting Irish will continue to face these problems. It is a good problem for the Irish program. If they do not lose him to a lateral move, he will become a head coach eventually.

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The same thing probably rings true for Offensive Coordinator Chip Long. Eventually, Long will want to become a Head Coach.

Expect Elko back in 2018 but the future is much murkier.

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