Texas A&M Football: 3 candidates to replace Mike Elko as DC

Thankfully for the Texas A&M football team, the Aggies have a handful of in-house options to replace Mike Elko

The list of coaches who could replace Elko that are already on the Aggies staff is a long one, but I thought I’d narrow it down to two guys who seem like frontrunners in that regard.

TJ Rushing, Defensive Backs: The current Texas A&M defensive backs coach looked like an early-season candidate for the Broyles Award, given to the best assistant coach in college football (although the award usually goes to an OC or DC). For roughly the first half of the year, the Aggies had the best passing defense in the entire country.

The unit trailed off, but A&M still finished with one of the most respected secondaries in college football, allowing the 19th-fewest yards in the game. They did this despite a pair of key injuries in Myles Jones and Brian George, both of whom were near the top of the cornerback rotation.

Defensive backs coaches always seem to have a quick path to defensive coordinator spots, so don’t be surprised if Rushing’s name is in the mix.

Elijah Robinson, Defensive Line: If you want my honest opinion — I think this is your guy. In fact, I’d almost say that it feels like if Robinson isn’t promoted to the defensive coordinator spot in College Station, he’ll find another DC role elsewhere.

TAMU finished the year with 39 total sacks, which was near the top of the country. Robinson constantly had opposing teams on their heels with players like DeMarvin Leal and Tyree Johnson reaching the backfield with ease.

247Sports referenced Robinson’s name as one that stood out for Penn State’s open defensive coordinator role, which has since been filled.