Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko will take the podium during this week’s SEC media days on Thursday afternoon. Before the second-year coach and his three player representatives speak to the many members in attendance, Elko has been praised by several prominent SEC coaches and media members, including SEC Network host Paul Finebaum.
National praise for Elko after his first season on the job has been scarce, mainly due to the Aggies finishing 8-5 after starting 7-1, but for those who enjoy context, the loss of star running back Le’Veon Moss placed the offense in a bad spot, and starting quarterback Marcel Reed, who enters the season with more experience under his belt, had his share of freshman moments while facing a host of tough secondaries down the stretch.
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Still, Elko had a better first record than most first-year head coaches in the SEC, and for those who only judge Elko on his coaching ability, Finebaum, who has interviewed Elko on multiple occasions, described the New Jersey native on a more personal level. Just like Vanderbilt HC Clark Lea, Finebaum described Elko as one of the smarter coaches in the country.
“Mike Elko is the smartest coach I’ve dealt with in a long time” Finebaum stated. “He’s a thoughtful guy, He’s always available. None of these things have to do with his coaching ability, but they matter.”
It’s fair to note that Mike Elko is an Ivy League graduate (University of Pennsylvania) while establishing himself as one of the best recruiters in the country this summer, developing strong and lasting relationships with all 25 of the program’s 2026 commits.
Elko’s background as an elite defensive coordinator certainly played a large part in his hiring nearly two years ago, but what he brings as a leader is unmatched, and is a primary reason over 70% of the 2024 roster returned this offseason.
Texas A&M will be the final team to speak on Thursday, July 17, at 2:54 p.m. CT.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: SEC host Paul Finebaum praises Texas A&M HC Mike Elko’s intellect
