Texas A&M defensive coordinator Mike Elko has been hired as the new coach at Duke.
The 44-year-old Elko has never been a head coach. He has been a defensive coordinator at five schools, including Notre Dame in 2017 prior to his four-year stint at Texas A&M.
“We are absolutely thrilled to announce Mike Elko as our next head football coach,” Duke athletic director Nina King said in a statement. “He has an innovative football mind and a natural ability to connect with both players and coaches around him. Mike has a proven track record of success and is deeply committed to the overall student-athlete experience.”
Elko was a semifinalist for the Frank Broyles Award this season, which goes to the nation’s top assistant. He also was a semifinalist in 2017.
Elko replaces David Cutcliffe, who went 77-97 in 14 seasons at Duke. The Blue Devils were 3-9 this season.
Former Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett was also among the reported candidates.
–Field Level Media