Texas A&M HC Mike Elko is a finalist for two Coach of the Year awards

In just his second season at the helm, Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko has accomplished several goals that many of us assumed would take several seasons, headlined by the Aggies ' first appearance in the College Football Playoff after finishing with an 11-1 record, including a 7-1 finish in SEC play.

This regular-season success included several disappointing streaks ending, starting with the first-ranked nonconference win in nearly 40 seasons after defeating Notre Dame on the road, and the 49-25 blowout win over LSU , which marked Texas A&M's first victory in Death Valley since 1994.

Elko's background as one of the top defensive minds in the game led to a regular-season finish with the 19th-ranked defense, led by a pass rush that produced 41 sacks, tied for first nationally. Senior edge Cashius Howell led the Aggies with 11.5 sacks, and his on his way to being selected in the first or second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Elko's success has garnered significant attention, and after signing his six-year extension last month, both sides are locked in for the foreseeable future, which, right now, looks like the right move. Elko is now a finalist for both the George Munger Coach of the Year and the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year awards, a significant achievement in Year 2.

Paired with his recruiting success, Mike Elko continues to look like a perfect fit in College Station.

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M HC Mike Elko is a finalist for two Coach of the Year awards