Report: Texas A&M Interviews UTSA's Jeff Traylor for HC; Duke's Mike Elko Considered

UTSA head coach Jeff Traylor interviewed for the Aggies' vacancy at the same position on Tuesday, according to Kirk Bohls of the Austin American-Statesman.

Duke head coach Mike Elko is also considered a "strong candidate" for the role, as he previously served as Texas A&M's defensive coordinator.

This comes after former Aggies coach Jimbo Fisher was fired on the morning of Nov. 12, as the school has accumulated a record of just 11-11 over the past two seasons.

Traylor has led the Roadrunners to a record of 37-13 since he took over in 2020. UTSA has appeared in bowl games during each year that he's been head coach, and they seem poised to continue the streak with a 7-3 mark in 2023.

Meanwhile, Elko has led the Blue Devils to a 6-4 record in 2023. They're now bowl-eligible for the second consecutive year after last season's 9-4 finish. Elko's defense has been a major reason behind Duke's football turnaround, as his team is allowing just 18.8 points per game. That's the third-best average in the ACC.

While Traylor and Elko are both respectable candidates, Texas A&M athletic director Ross Bjork likely won't be rushing to make any quick decisions. He outlined his vision for the Aggies' next head coach when speaking to reporters.

"Here's the profile from what we will work on," he said, according to Mark Heim of al.com. "A coach that has a program identity, great interpersonal skills, track record of player development, commitment to academics, recruiting machine, supreme organizational skills, culture of discipline, passion for the game, proven winners, strong leadership skills, involved in the community, of course knowledge of Xs and Os, and someone who understands and can capitalize in today's modern-day college athletics."

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell was initially a rumored candidate for the role, but "backchannel communications" made by the Aggies to gauge his interest were unsuccessful as it was made clear that Campbell would remain in the NFL (via Dennis Dodd of CBS Sports).

In the meantime, Texas A&M will look to avoid finishing back-to-back seasons without a winning record for the first time since 2008-09.