Mike Elko entered the 2026 season planning to call Texas A&M’s defense himself, but that responsibility has now shifted to defensive coordinator Lyle Hemphill.
Elko confirmed during Monday’s press conference
that Hemphill has handled the defensive play-calling since A&M’s 35-6 loss at LSU. The change allows Elko to spend more time overseeing the entire team instead of focusing primarily on one side of the ball.“Lyle is calling the games. I think that was an important step just so that I could have the freedom to be involved in everything, and I just think that was probably to the detriment of us for a couple of weeks − LSU, Kentucky – trying to do too many things.”
The Aggies allowed more than 400 yards in consecutive losses to Kentucky and LSU,
with breakdowns in coverage contributing to several explosive plays. Elko acknowledged after both games that the defense failed to meet the standard expected from the program.
Hemphill’s first game handling the play-calling duties produced better results. Texas A&M held Arkansas to seven points and 214 yards during a 34-7 victory at Kyle Field.
The defense was not as successful against Missouri, especially against the running game. The Tigers rushed for 252 yards and pulled away during the second half of their 27-6 victory. However, A&M kept the game within one score until late in the third quarter despite receiving little help from its offense.
Elko built his reputation as a defensive coach, but overseeing the entire program has become more important as the Aggies try to recover from a 1-3 start in SEC play. Giving Hemphill control of the defense should let Elko get more involved with the struggling offense and other areas that need attention.
The change hasn't solved every problem, but Elko believes it gives him a better chance to address them all.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page onFacebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.
This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: 'To the detriment of us': Mike Elko hands over defensive play-calling
