Texas A&M football: 5 candidates who could replace Mike Elko

Jimmy Lake — Washington

Here’s where we get into the guys that may be a little tougher to pull away from their excellent Power 5 jobs, but it’s impossible to underestimate the deep pockets Texas A&M has. Jimbo Fisher will have his pick of anyone in the country, as evidence by his interest in LSU’s Dave Aranda prior to hiring Elko.

Jimmy Lake was the co-defensive coordinator for three seasons before taking over the duties full time for the past two seasons. He’s also been the defensive backs coach for this entire time. I’m sure you’re noticing a pattern here. The Aggies struggled in pass defense in 2018, so a coach with a defensive backs background would be ideal.

The Huskies have been an elite program under Chris Peterson, and Lake is a big reason for that. Washington’s tough defense was on full display all season, but it was on the national stage when they shut down Utah in the Pac 12 Championship in a 10-3 win.

They finished No. 5 in points per game allowed and No. 12 in yards allowed per game in 2018, and finished No. 5 and No. 8 in both areas in 2017 as well.

Lake no doubt has had interest from other programs. He was rumored to have interest an Alabama job with Nick Saban. I know you’re thinking “well, if he turned down Bama why would he take the A&M job?” Money talks. A&M has more than Bama, even with their massive success.