Texas A&M and Mike Elko have just officially filled yet one more spot on the coaching staff following the departure of both coordinators and several other assistant coaches this offseason. Collin Klein's move to Kansas State not only robbed the Aggies of an offensive coordinator, but also TE coach Christian Ellsworth and DB Coach Jordan Peterson, who both left to join Klein in Manhattan.
Now, though, the Aggies have replaced both. First, they snatched up Derek Shay from the University of Kentucky to coach the tight ends— a position that has had outsized success for the Wildcats compared to the level of athlete they typically bring in.
With Shay on board, the only question was who would fill in for the departing Peterson as a corners coach. After a long search, it turns out that the answer to that question was inside the building all along.
Texas A&M promoting longtime Elko assistant coach Bryan Gross-Armiento to cornerbacks coach
The Aggies have decided to bump up one of their top recruiters and longest-tenured coaches to the corner coach spot with the promotion of Bryant Gross-Armiento.
BREAKING: Texas A&M is promoting long-time assistant Bryant Gross-Armiento to cornerbacks coach.
— Jaxson Callaway (AT) (@AggiesToday) February 6, 2026
Has spent extended time with head coach Mike Elko, and has been with the Aggies since 2021. First reported by @Tony_Catalina.
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(On3+: https://t.co/bc5F8kUCYX)
BGA has been with the Aggies for quite some time, and is well-beloved by the players and staff alike in College Station. He's also worked for Elko at previous stops, including Wake Forest.
This is a move that shows that Elko believes in continuity on that side of the ball. The Aggies took a huge step forward on defense last season, and they are looking to do so once again in this upcoming year.
When Elko was the defensive coordinator in College Station previously, his defense improved every single season, and there was a high degree of continuity on the staff. It looks like he's set on recreating those steps by ensuring that the staff members he values highly will stick around for the long term.
It's a bit of a gamble from one perspective, as Elko no doubt could have gone out and grabbed an elite corners coach had he wished to do so. Instead, he's choosing to trust a rising star in the industry and bring him along with this move— time will tell whether it was the right one.