The Texas A&M defense took a step forward in 2018 under first-year DC Mike Elko, improving from No. 10 in the SEC in scoring defense and No. 9 in the conference in total defense to No. 8 and No. 7 in those statistics, respectively.

Apparently, the A&M administration was happy with the progress made by Elko, rewarding him with a contract extension and a big raise.

Per a report from Ben Baby of the Dallas Morning News, Elko will make $2.1 million this fall:

Each December, A&M has the option to extend Elko’s contract by an additional season, according to a copy of the agreement obtained through an open records request. The Aggies already exercised that right and extended Elko through January 2022.

Under the terms of the current deal, Elko will make $2.1 million annually, an increase of $300,000 from his first year in A&M.

With this raise, Elko becomes the fourth college football coordinator making more than $2 million, joining SEC colleagues Dave Aranda (LSU) and Kevin Steele (Auburn). Clemson DC Brent Venables is also in the $2 million club.