Texas A&M officially hires former Arkansas DC as the new LB coach

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Texas A&M’s 2026 coaching staff will feature several new faces, while Holmon Wiggins has been elevated to offensive coordinator after Collin Klein was hired as Kansas State’s new head coach. Jay Bateman’s decision to leave for a lateral position with Kentucky led head coach Mike Elko to elevate Lyle Hemphill to the new defensive coordinator.

Bateman also served as Texas A&M’s linebackers coach, and credit to Elko for making quick work of the search process, reaching an agreement with former Arkansas defensive coordinator Travis Williams, who will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to a position group that not only needs personnel, but better coaching, especially regarding the Aggies’ porous run defense.

Williams served as Auburn’s linebackers coach from 2016 to 2018, then became UCF’s defensive coordinator for one season before moving to Arkansas in the same role.

However, the Razorback defense struggled during the 2025 season. After head coach Sam Pittman was fired mid-season, interim head coach Bobby Petrino fired Williams, along with co-defensive coordinator Marcus Woodson.

Still, while Williams may have struggled as a defensive coordinator during his final season, his ability to recruit and coach linebackers is well-documented. Williams should immediately help Elko and the rest of the staff land defensive players from the transfer portal.

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M officially hires Travis Williams as the new LB coach

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