Who Is Duke's New Head Coach? Mike Elko Who Was The Defensive Coordinator At Texas A&M!
Who is Duke’s new Head Coach?
Mike Elko who was the Defensive Coordinator at Texas A&M!
In his fourth season Mike Elko was overseeing the Wrecking Crew as defensive coordinator.
Mike Elko vastly improved the Texas A&M defense throughout his time in College Station and saw the unit lead the SEC in total defense and rank second among league teams in rushing and passing defense. Elko's guidance helped A&M post an 8-1 regular season record against all SEC opponents and boast a top-five ranking through the end of the season.
Mike Elko came to Texas A&M after one season of directing Notre Dame's defense. In his lone season in South Bend, the defense ranked in the top half nationally in all four major defensive categories as the Irish finished with a 10-3 record, which included a 21-17 win over LSU in the 2018 Citrus Bowl. Elko was a semifinalist for the Broyles Award, which is given annually to the top assistant coach in college football.
Notre Dame's defense showed marked improvement in total defense under Elko with an average of 369.2 yards allowed per game. Additionally, the Irish improved at least 20 spots in the national rankings in rush defense (72nd to 51st), pass-efficiency defense (79th to 46th), scoring defense (62nd to 31st), third-down defense (60th to 37th), turnovers gained (104th to 50th), sacks (117th to 82nd) and tackles for loss (102nd to 58th).
Michael Elko is familiar with the Atlantic Coast Conference!
Why?
Because Michael Elko was the Defensive Coordinator as well as safeties coach at Wake Forest who is a member of the Atlantic Division Of The Atlantic Coast Conference!
When?
2014-16!
In 2016 the Wake Forest In 2014, Michael Elko's defense proved to be one of the strengths of the Demon Deacon club. Wake Forest finished 12th nationally in passing yards allowed and was a top 40 team in total defense. Wake Forest had five defensive players earn All-ACC honors.
In 2015 Wake Forest defense defense ranked 38th in the nation, allowing just 363.8 yards per game. The Deacons also ranked among the national leaders in red-zone defense and pass defense. Wake Forest's shutout of Boston College was the first by the Deacons in nine years.
In 2016 Wake Forest defense ranked in the top-20 of the FBS in fumbles recovered (third), turnovers forced (10th), sacks (12th), defensive TDs (17th), red zone defense (17th) and scoring defense (20th). Wake Forest was one of four schools in the FBS to rank in the top-20 in turnovers forced, sacks and scoring defense in 2016 (the other three schools -- Alabama, Clemson and Washington -- qualified for the College Football Playoff).
“according to his biography on 12thman.com
Mike Elko is returning to the Atlantic Coast Conference because is Duke’s new Head Coach!
Director Of Athletics Nina King had this to say about the hiring of Mike Elko as Duke’s next Head Coach!
We are absolutely thrilled to announce Mike Elko as our next head football coach," King said. "He has an innovative football mind and a natural ability to connect with both players and coaches around him. Mike has a proven track record of success and is deeply committed to the overall student-athlete experience. From our first conversations, I knew Mike, Michelle and their children would make phenomenal additions to the Duke family!"
Mike Elko is replacing David Cutcliffe who parted ways with Director Of Athletics Nina King after Duke finished this season with a record of 3-9 0-8 in the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference.