'He's done a phenomenal job': LSU HC gives high praise for Mike Elko

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During his first appearance repping an LSU lapel pin on his blazer at SEC Media Days, Lane Kiffin said Mike Elko is a good CEO head coach.

Kiffin was among many coaches in Tampa, Florida, to provide high praise for the third-year Texas A&M head coach and the job he's done in rejuvenating the football program in College Station. After taking the LSU job on November 30 last year, Kiffin became the first head coach in SEC history to be at the helm of three different teams in the conference.

While his departure from Ole Miss ignited much controversy, he has fully embraced his role as the villain of college football. According to Kiffin, Elko's insight on how the sport is evolving and how to succeed in the ever-changing landscape has bolstered his role as the ultimate CEO head coach.

Through his first two seasons at the helm of the Aggies, Elko boasts a 19-7 overall record, which is second-best in program history for a coach's first two seasons at Texas A&M, only behind former head coach Kevin Sumlin. Elko led his team to the school's first 11-0 start since 1992 and their first appearance in the College Football Playoff last season.

The New Jersey native has welcomed the higher ceiling and expectations with open arms, as he continues to move the needle forward at Texas A&M. For motivation, Elko tells his team to look at the empty trophy case, which gives everyone in the building a reminder of where the program wants to be.

They very well could add some hardware in 2026, after Elko hauled in the No. 4 transfer portal and No. 7 recruiting classes in the country, while also retaining experienced leaders like quarterback Marcel Reed, safety Marcus Ratcliffe and linebacker Daymion Sanford, all of whom represented the Maroon and White at this year's SEC Media Days on Wednesday.

Elko's ability to recruit at an elite level and develop talent has been key to the Aggies' dominance in the current era of college athletics. If he can continue navigating the landscape at this elite rate, it is only a matter of time before he brings a national championship to College Station.

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: 'He's done a phenomenal job': LSU HC gives high praise for Mike Elko

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