What began as a breakthrough season under second-year coach Mike Elko ultimately ended on a sour note, with a two-game skid to close the year. Adding to the program’s challenges, a staff reshuffle is now underway. Amid these changes, Elko and his team are beginning to adapt, working to recalibrate the coaching lineup and set a new course for the future.

Virginia Tech is targeting Texas A&M defensive line coach Sean Spencer to join James Franklin’s staff in the same role, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz. Spencer becomes the first reported position-coach hire for the Hokies since the news broke about Franklin and the return of Brent Pry to run the defense.

He’s good news for the team because he brings years of experience developing elite defensive fronts at both the college and professional levels. The program would benefit immediately from his technical expertise, mentorship, and ability to strengthen the trenches.  Spencer has spent nine seasons alongside James Franklin and Brent Pry at Vanderbilt and Penn State, followed by stops with the New York Giants, Texas A&M, and Florida, consistently building formidable defensive lines along the way.

While VT works to poach A&M’s D-line coach, Elko is moving quickly. A notable replacement is already in place, and it’s a familiar face. Elijah Robinson is expected to rejoin Texas A&M’s coaching staff after two seasons at Syracuse. The reunion makes sense, as the two (Elko and Robinson) built trust years ago, working side by side when Elko ran the Aggies’ defense from 2018 to 2021.

Texas A&M benefits from his familiarity with the system and his proven ability to develop top-tier defensive linemen. Robinson’s track record is impressive: six seasons anchoring the defensive line under Jimbo Fisher, followed by a promotion to co-defensive coordinator in 2023. Reuniting with Elko restores leadership and continuity in the trenches. Now, the band is getting back together, and the trenches are once again in trusted hands.

But with Jay Bateman already leaving for Kentucky, the changes aren’t limited to the defensive line.

With OC Collin Klein gone to take the head coaching job at Kansas State, he has created new challenges and new holes for Mike Elko’s Texas A&M. Defensive coordinator Jordan Peterson is headed to Kansas State, where he’ll serve as Klein’s first defensive coordinator. Although the Aggies tried to keep him. But Peterson chose the next step. An A&M graduate, his ties to the program ran deep.

Before College Station, he spent four years in Kansas, coaching at the University of Kansas under Les Miles and later Lance Leipold. Now, while the journey continues in Manhattan, the Aggies absorb a notable loss.

In 2024, Peterson led a secondary that finished 14th nationally with 16 interceptions. That same year, recruiting was his calling card. He was ranked the No. 1 recruiter in the Big 12. When he moved to Texas A&M, he didn’t skip a beat, landing among the top 50 recruiters in the nation.

Now, with these staff poachings, the head coach found a swift solution as well.

Mike Elko’s coaching staff adjustments

His solution on offense was Holmon Wiggins, promoted from co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach. Although Klein remained with the Aggies through the CFP. But now, Wiggins, previously co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach, will step into the role.

Wiggins brings championship experience from five seasons at Alabama, including three as assistant head coach of offense, making him a natural fit for the sudden vacancy. Probably, that’s why he seems like the right fit for calling the offensive line to Mike Elko.

“Really felt like the right person for the job was Holmon Wiggins,” said Elko. “We’ve elevated him to the offensive coordinator position, and he’s the only person we offered the job to. … We felt that was the best thing for Texas A&M football moving forward.”

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But we already know the shake-up doesn’t stop on offense. That’s why Elko quickly promoted Lyle Hemphill from associate head coach for defense to defensive coordinator after Bateman left for Kentucky.

With these swift moves, Elko is signaling a rapid reset, protecting the team’s momentum.