Social media reactions to Texas A&M DC moving on to Kentucky

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

Like Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko has said, when other programs want to hire your coaches, it’s a clear sign your team is doing something right. News recently broke that defensive coordinator Jay Bateman will join the Kentucky Wildcats football staff as their new DC following the conclusion of the Aggies’ playoff run.

While receiving word of losing a coordinator during playoff preparation is less than ideal, it’s not nearly as significant a blow compared to losing offensive coordinator Collin Klein. Elko had already assumed a large portion of the defensive play-calling and brought in Lyle Hemphill during the offseason to assist with the unit. In many ways, the writing was already on the wall: if the right opportunity presented itself, Bateman was likely to move on after this season.

All indications suggest Elko anticipated this outcome. As soon as the news surfaced, reports confirmed that Hemphill would step in as the new Texas A&M defensive coordinator. It appears to be a mutual parting that allows Bateman to return to full-time play-calling while giving Elko the chance to delegate more responsibility to Hemphill. Either way, it’s a move that benefits both sides, and the Aggies will now turn their attention to finding a new linebackers coach.

Below are some of the reactions from fans and media on X regarding Bateman’s departure.

Coach Elko moves quickly to name his next DC

Is this a chance to get better next season?

Jay Bateman was a solid addition to help get A&M off the ground early under Elko

It’s possible Elko can go back to being mainly just a head coach

With Hemphill in as DC, there’s time to find a new LB coach

How does the move affect the playoff run?

Bateman will get a fresh start

Even with a rocky career, he is a solid coach and recruiter

The new Kentucky HC is getting a veteran staff member

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook 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: Texas A&M football fans react to Jay Bateman taking Kentucky DC role

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos