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Texas A&M football: Top 5 candidates to replace Jimbo Fisher

By Chris Peterson

Oct 21, 2023; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning on the sidelines against the Washington State Cougars during the second quarter at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2023; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning on the sidelines against the Washington State Cougars during the second quarter at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 14, 2023; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Elko runs out before the first half of the game against North Carolina State Wolfpack at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 14, 2023; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Elko runs out before the first half of the game against North Carolina State Wolfpack at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports /

Mike Elko, Duke

The former Texas A&M football defensive coordinator has done a spectacular job with Duke this season, despite the loss to North Carolina.

There have been some good coaches at Duke over the years, but they never stay because Duke is never going to put football first. There’s only so much upside with that program.

Elko already has ties to Texas A&M and understands what it’s all about. The alums are going to be familiar with him and maybe, just maybe, the Aggies should try to hire a good football guy instead of trying to win the press conference.

That’s been their move the last few times. Maybe focus on the head coach that’s going to build a consistent winner. Duke won nine games last season, beat Clemson this year, and is headed to another bowl game.

Give Elko the resources of an SEC program like Texas A&M, and it makes you think about the kind of success he could have. If Texas A&M can win 10 games — if any SEC can — it’s probably going to make the 12-team playoff and Elko feels like a really good fit.

He’s also a defensive guy.