🚨 COLLEGE STATION, TX – With Collin Klein officially accepting the Head Coach role at Kansas State, Texas A&M Football faces a sudden, high-stakes search for its next Offensive Coordinator. Head Coach Mike Elko, a proven defensive mastermind, must now make a critical hire to maintain the momentum Klein established—an offense that surged to a top-20 national ranking and fueled the Aggies’ historic 11-1 regular season.
The decision is complex. Elko needs a coach who can seamlessly take over the current personnel, continue the development of quarterback Marcel Reed, and maintain the high-level recruiting success in the SEC. The Aggies are in a position to offer a top-tier salary and a chance to coordinate a potent, College Football Playoff-contending offense.
Here is a look at the leading candidates on the Texas A&M OC Hot Board:
The NFL Splash: Proven High-Level Minds
The financial resources and prestige of the Texas A&M Aggies allow Elko to target top talent, potentially pulling a mind from the professional ranks or a recently available head coach.
* Brian Daboll (Former New York Giants Head Coach): This would be the ultimate splash hire. Daboll is universally respected for his creative offensive mind and his ability to tailor schemes to personnel. He led the New England Patriots’ offense during several Super Bowl runs and later turned the Giants into a playoff team. While he may seek another NFL job, the chance to lead a top-tier SEC offense could be tempting.
* Jerrod Johnson (Houston Texans Quarterbacks Coach): A former Texas A&M quarterback, Johnson is a rising star in the NFL coaching world. He has played a crucial role in developing quarterbacks in Houston and has strong ties to the state of Texas. Hiring an Aggie alumnus who brings fresh NFL concepts would resonate powerfully with the fanbase and recruits.
The College Innovators: Matching Scheme and Success
Elko could also target established, highly successful coordinators currently thriving at other Power Four programs, looking for a coach whose philosophy aligns with the Aggies’ dynamic, RPO (Run-Pass Option)-heavy scheme.
* Buster Faulkner (Georgia Tech Offensive Coordinator): Faulkner has rapidly become one of the most respected minds in the ACC. He has significant SEC experience, having won national titles at Georgia, and played a major role in developing former Aggie quarterback Haynes King. His expertise with dual-threat quarterbacks makes him an excellent fit for Marcel Reed’s skillset.
* Will Stein (Oregon Offensive Coordinator): Stein has been a hot commodity in the college football coaching circuit after coordinating the explosive offenses at Oregon. The 36-year-old mastermind has developed multiple Heisman Trophy finalists and is known for running a high-powered, efficient attack that would translate well to the Aggies’ current roster.
* Mack Leftwich (Texas Tech Offensive Coordinator): Leftwich has lifted the Texas Tech offense to new heights in his tenure, operating a balanced, run-heavy scheme that would suit the physicality of the Texas A&M roster well. His deep ties to the state of Texas Football and success within the Big 12 make him a strong, culturally compatible candidate.
The Internal Option: Promoting Familiarity
To ensure maximum continuity, especially with a College Football Playoff appearance looming, Elko could look to promote from within the existing staff.
* Holmon Wiggins (Texas A&M Wide Receivers Coach): Wiggins is a celebrated recruiter and one of the best wide receiver developers in the country, boasting championship experience from his time at Alabama. An internal promotion would ensure the current offensive terminology and relationships remain intact, providing a seamless transition for Marcel Reed and the talented wide receiver room.
The search for the next Aggie OC is the single most important hire of Elko’s tenure. The selection must not only maintain the current success but also propel Texas A&M into contention for a national title in the rapidly evolving landscape of SEC Football.