Mike Elko to promote internally for new Texas A&M DC, per report
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Texas A&M reportedly has its new defensive coordinator lined up.
On Thursday morning, it was reported that defensive coordinator Jay Bateman is leaving for the same position at Kentucky. Bateman will reportedly remain with the Aggies through the postseason.
Mike Elko didn’t need to search for his new DC. According to reports, Elko will promote internally and tab Lyle Hemphill as Texas A&M‘s new defensive coordinator. Considering Hemphill was already “associate head coach for defense,” and Elko was the defensive play-caller, it should be an easy transition for the Aggies in 2026.
Sources: Lyle Hemphill, Texas A&M's associate head coach for defense, will be the next defensive coordinator at Texas A&M. He'll replace the departing Jay Bateman, who is off to Kentucky. He brings extensive experience working with Mike Elko, including at Duke.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 11, 2025
Hemphill joined Texas A&M in 2025 after previously serving as defensive coordinator and safeties coach for a James Madison unit that led the nation in 2024 with a +1.54 turnover margin, including 17 interceptions of the 29 total takeaways. His 2024 JMU squad was also sixth nationally with 3.15 sacks per game and seventh in team passing efficiency with a 111.48 rating.
He previously worked under Elko at Duke for 2 seasons as safeties coach, adding co-defensive coordinator responsibilities in 2023.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
