College Station, Texas, October 21, 2025
News Summary
Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko has firmly denied speculation linking him to the vacant Penn State coaching position following the firing of James Franklin. Elko, who is leading the Aggies to a perfect 7-0 record and a No. 3 ranking, expressed frustration regarding media interest in coaching changes while emphasizing his commitment to the current season. The team also aims to secure its first victory in Baton Rouge against LSU since 1994, highlighting his focus on greater achievements rather than external distractions.
College Station, Texas – Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko has denied rumors linking him to the recently vacated head coaching position at Penn State, following the dismissal of James Franklin after a disappointing streak. Franklin, who was fired after leading the team to a 3-game losing streak, had a successful 12-year run at Penn State, finishing with 104 wins and 45 losses, which includes his tenure at Vanderbilt.
Elko, currently enjoying a successful season with the Aggies, has not only dismissed speculations surrounding his future but also expressed frustration over the media’s fascination with coaching changes. Currently, Texas A&M holds a flawless record of 7-0 and is ranked No. 3 in the college football standings, significantly bolstered by a notable victory against then-No. 8 Notre Dame.
As a Pennsylvania native who graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, Elko’s familiarity with the Eastern U.S. college football landscape has made him a plausible candidate to succeed Franklin. However, during a recent press conference on October 20, 2025, Elko characterized the rumors as “absolutely hilarious” and critiqued the constant speculation surrounding his employment. His remarks highlight a common sentiment among coaches who face relentless inquiries about potential job changes.
Elko’s focus remains firmly on the current season, as he aims to lead Texas A&M to an SEC Championship and a shot at the College Football Playoff. In pursuit of this goal, the Aggies will face a challenging match against No. 20 LSU in Baton Rouge next. This game holds additional significance for Elko, as Texas A&M seeks its first win in that venue since 1994. Despite the swirling rumors and media chatter regarding his future, Elko’s commitment to his program seems unwavering.
Prior to his role at Texas A&M, Elko was the head coach at Duke, where he amassed a record of 16-9 over two seasons before taking on the position with the Aggies, succeeding Jimbo Fisher. Under his leadership, the team has shown considerable progress, establishing a powerful presence in college football.
As the coaching carousel continues to spin in college football, Elko’s determination to stay focused on his team’s performance rather than external distractions highlights a growing trend among coaches prioritizing stability and development over job speculation. With the season reaching its crucial phases, the emphasis on team success will likely dominate headlines as Texas A&M aims for greater achievements in the coming weeks.
FAQ
What prompted the rumors about Mike Elko and the Penn State job?
The rumors arose after Penn State’s firing of head coach James Franklin following a three-game losing streak, leading analysts to consider Elko, a Pennsylvania native, as a potential candidate.
How is Texas A&M performing under Mike Elko?
As of now, Texas A&M boasts a perfect 7-0 record and is ranked No. 3 in the college football standings, indicating a strong season under Elko’s leadership.
What were James Franklin’s coaching statistics at Penn State?
Franklin concluded his tenure at Penn State with a record of 104 wins and 45 losses over 12 years, which is a significant achievement.
What is the significance of the upcoming game against LSU?
The match against No. 20 LSU is crucial for Texas A&M as it represents an opportunity to secure their first win in Baton Rouge since 1994, while also continuing their strong season.
What does Elko think about media speculation regarding coaching changes?
Elko has expressed dissatisfaction with the constant speculation about coaching changes, describing it as a “waste of brain space” and highlighting his focus on the current season.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Record | 7-0 |
| Ranking | No. 3 in College Football Standings |
| Previous Head Coach | James Franklin |
| Franklin’s Record | 104 Wins, 45 Losses in 12 years |
| Next Opponent | No. 20 LSU |
| Elko’s Previous Coaching Record at Duke | 16 Wins, 9 Losses |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Texas A&M Football Climbs to No. 3 in National Rankings
Coach Mike Elko Addresses Coaching Rumors Amid Success
Brandon Arrington Commits to Texas A&M University
Coach Elko Addresses Shemar Stewart’s Rumored Return to University
Madden Williams Commits to Texas A&M University
Texas A&M Aggies Strengthen 2026 Recruiting Class
Additional Resources
- Newsweek
- Wikipedia: Penn State Nittany Lions football
- CBS Sports
- Google Search: Mike Elko Penn State
- USA Today
- Google Scholar: James Franklin Penn State firing
- Statesman
- Encyclopedia Britannica: James Franklin football coach
- Sports Illustrated
- Google News: James Franklin fired Penn State
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