It's bye week in Aggieland, and Texas A&M's football coaching staff will not be available for interviews, a departure from previous years.
With the Aggies struggling, the decision could be seen as head coach Mike Elko protecting his first-year coordinators from added scrutiny while letting the staff focus on potential adjustments without publicly addressing them.
The decision has also generated discussion among fans, especially during a week when several college football programs have made coaching changes, reigniting conversations about Elko's contract and what it would cost Texas A&M to move in a different direction.
While there is no indication Elko is going anywhere anytime soon, the costly Jimbo Fisher separation remains fresh in Aggie fans'
minds. If the program fails to turn things around over the next season or two, what financial obligations would Texas A&M face?
Through a public information request, Aggies Wire obtained Elko's employment agreement, offering a closer look at what the university would owe if it terminated his contract without cause.
How much would Texas A&M owe Mike Elko?
Elko's latest agreement, reached in November 2025, runs through the 2031 season and includes approximately $69 million in scheduled base compensation. His annual salary starts at $10.75 million in 2026 and increases by $300,000 each year, reaching $12.25 million in 2031.
If Texas A&M terminates Elko without cause, the university would owe 100% of his remaining base salary through the third-to-last contract year and 85% for the final two years. Under the original six-year agreement, a separation after the 2026 season would carry an estimated $54.62 million obligation, compared with $43.57 million after 2027 and $32.22 million after 2028.
However, those figures do not account for automatic contract extensions, which could significantly increase the university's financial commitment.
Why the contract could become more expensive
Elko's agreement includes an automatic one-year extension if Texas A&M wins at least nine regular-season games or qualifies for the College Football Playoff. If the playoffexpands beyond 15 teams, the CFP provision instead requires a top-16 finish in the final rankings.
If those results triggered an extension through the 2032 season, Elko's estimated termination compensation following 2026 could reach approximately $67.08 million. However, that figure is based on the contract's extension and compensation provisions, and Aggies Wire has not independently confirmed whether the additional year has officially taken effect.
If those results extended the agreement through the 2032 season, Elko's estimated termination compensation after 2026 would rise to about $67.08 million, assuming no further extensions or adjustments.
The agreement also includes another significant provision: If Elko leads Texas A&M to a CFP national championship, the university would owe 100% of his remaining base salary if it later terminates him without cause.
How does that compare with Jimbo Fisher?
Texas A&M is no stranger to expensive coaching changes. When the university fired Jimbo Fisherin November 2023, it owed approximately $77 million in guaranteed compensation, one of the largest buyouts in college football history.
Elko's agreement offers slightly more financial protection, reducing the final two contract years to 85% of their scheduled base salary unless the national championship provision is triggered.
While that provides some relief, an early coaching change would still carry a substantial price tag.
For now, there is no indication Texas A&M is preparing to make a coaching change, but his contract shows how expensive another coaching change could be.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Could Texas A&M face another Jimbo Fisher-sized coaching buyout?
