While not done, we already know a few coaches are moving on.
Mike Elko has hit the ground running as Texas A&M head coach. After being formally introduced on Monday, he already made several moves as he begins to build out this Aggie coaching staff for the 2024 season. Here’s what we know so far:
Bobby Petrino is Arkansas-bound
It seems Bobby Petrino was informed that he would not return to Aggieland in 2024 (which is not surprising), and he has already found a landing spot. Petrino will return to his old haunts and try for the second year in a row to save an embattled coach from the hot seat under Arkansas’ Sam Pittman.
RING. THE. BELL.
Welcome back @CoachBPetrino!!!https://t.co/sBCpNbN3Ix pic.twitter.com/QenlUg8V79
— Arkansas Razorback Football (@RazorbackFB) November 29, 2023
Dameyune Craig, Steve Addazio won’t be retained
The other two offensive position coaches who won’t be returning are WR Coach Dameyune Craig and OL Coach Steve Addazio. Addazio in particular was not well thought of by A&M fans, after the offensive line was the unquestioned weakness of the team in both of his hears in Aggieland. Craig has always been one of the top recruiters on staff, but it’s also fair to question whether his development of those WRs he recruited has been up to par.
Neke Craig, the wife of Texas A&M wide receivers coach Dameyune Craig, recently announced via Instagram that he will not be part of Mike Elko’s new staff.
Craig signed a one-year contract extension with the Aggies in mid-September. https://t.co/HMP9MMfo5L pic.twitter.com/EZdOKKCWsv
— Carter Karels (@CarterKarels) November 28, 2023
Report: Texas A&M OL coach Steve Addazio not being retained. https://t.co/BlhPEEQP7R pic.twitter.com/z2cqBiwkTw
— GigEm247 (@GigEm247) November 29, 2023
Duke S&C Coach joins Elko at A&M
Well, technically his title is Director of Football Sports Performance, but that’s essentially the Strength & Conditioning Coach in today’s football lingo. Point being, it appears that David Feeley will follow Coach Elko from Duke and have the same role at A&M. Before joining the Blue Devils, he held the same role at Miami.
Duke director of football sports performance David Feeley has informed Duke’s players that he will be following Mike Elko to Texas A&M, @GigEm247 has learned ($). https://t.co/jDaB1SJ4MQ
— Carter Karels (@CarterKarels) November 27, 2023
What’s next?
Obviously some of the biggest decisions revolve around coordinator hires. On defense, Elijah Robinson being promoted to DC feels like a natural fit, but until it’s announced, we don’t know for sure if it will happen. But if there’s anyone who knows if E-Rob is ready for that responsibility, it’s Elko. The offensive side will be much more interesting, because you assume that coach will have almost full control of what that side of the ball looks like. And who you hire to run the offense will also affect how much of the Aggies’ current offensive recruits choose to reaffirm their commitment or look elsewhere as Signing Day nears.