Texas A&M football has been in a state of limbo with their defensive staff over the last few weeks. Following the late-game meltdown against USC in the Las Vegas Bowl, where the Aggies' defense completely fell apart in the fourth quarter, Mike Elko had some very definite thoughts to share about how well his defense had played— not only in that game, but all season.
The comments he made indicated that it was possible a big change could be made on the Aggies' defensive staff. Some thought Jay Bateman would be dismissed outright; but as the weeks dragged on, it became clear that such a move was not necessarily imminent.
Now, a change could still happen. And this latest move from Elko makes it all that much easier if something like that does in fact come to pass.
Texas A&M football hires away James Madison DC Lyle Hemphill to spot on defensive staff
It was announced today that Texas A&M football would be hiring away James Madison DC Lyle Hemphill to an as-of-yet unspecified position on the defensive staff.
Mike Elko and Texas A&M hires away James Madison’s defensive coordinator: https://t.co/TTOGed5xg4
— Jaxson Callaway (AT) (@AggiesToday) January 22, 2025
Hemphill worked with Mike Elko at Duke two seasons ago, and oversaw a stellar JMU defense this past year. James Madison has boasted a really ferocious defense ever since they moved up to FBS a few seasons ago, and Hemphill continued that tradition last season.
Under his tutelage, JMU allowed the second-lowest success rate in the nation, only behind Ole Miss. That translates to the second-best down-to-down defensive efficiency in the entire country.
This is a big add for Mike Elko— not only a guy with whom he is clearly familiar, but a guy that has had a lot of success. Where he slots in on the staff is something to watch closely.