Texas A&M Extends Elko Contract Through 2031 at $11.5M

Texas A&M University is finalizing a six-year contract extension for head football coach Mike Elko, rewarding his leadership of the undefeated Aggies with an annual salary of approximately $11.5 million, placing him among the top five highest-paid coaches in college football. The deal, expected to be announced soon, comes as the No. 3-ranked team prepares for a key matchup against South Carolina on Saturday in College Station.

Reports indicate the extension will run through 2031 and excludes potential multimillion-dollar bonuses tied to performance incentives. Elko's previous contract paid him $7 million per year, ranking 32nd nationally and 12th in the Southeastern Conference. The new agreement elevates him above coaches such as Alabama's Kalen DeBoer at $10.25 million and Texas' Steve Sarkisian at $10.8 million, but behind Georgia's Kirby Smart, who leads with $13.3 million, Ohio State's Ryan Day at $12.6 million, USC's Lincoln Riley at $11.6 million, and Clemson's Dabo Swinney at $11.5 million.

In his second season at Texas A&M, Elko has guided the Aggies to a 9-0 record, their best start since 1992 and the highest national ranking since 1995. The team sits one victory away...