Texas A&M under Jimbo Fisher was doing a lot of things right, but close observers of the program could tell that there was something going wrong under the surface. After Fisher left, the reports that emerged about program culture painted a quite unfavorable picture of the way things had deteriorated under the previous regime, and Aggie fans knew they needed a culture change in a big way.
That culture change came in the form of their former defensive coordinator, Mike Elko. Despite Elko's ties to Fisher, fans were happy to see him walk back through the door; it was no coincidence that once he left, the Aggies' on-field record took a nosedive. His return promised to bring not only coaching acumen but accountability to the team.
Even though the on-field record ended up lower than where Aggie fans would have liked this past year, the change in the way the team played was evident. I'm not just talking tactical systems: the overhaul of the culture was paying off in how hard the Aggies were playing. That culture change wasn't just obvious to Aggie fans, either: if a recent anonymous survey of coaches around the league is any guide, more than just the Maroon and White faithful are taking notice.
Anonymous coach survey praises culture change at Texas A&M under Mike Elko
Athlon Sports' annual anonymous coach survey is always a talking point, and under Fisher it was never kind to the Aggies. Under Elko, however, it looks like a corner has been turned.
"The turnaround here was remarkable," intoned one coach. "You turn on the tape from [Mike] Elko, and those kids are playing harder, playing smarter. That's coaching, but it's culture. It's the want-to."
That's one heck of an endorsement, especially compared to how things were viewed previously. However, this coach went further: "Eventually this could be the most physical, aggressive team in the league."
That vision is exactly what Texas A&M fans want for their program, and it's encouraging to hear that others see the potential to accomplish that even from year one of Mike Elko. If the Aggies continue on their current trajectory, they're bound for great things— whether this year or further in the future.