In an unexpected and controversial move, sports analyst Paul Finebaum recently included Texas A&M’s head coach Mike Elko among the “Top 5 Worst Coaches” in NCAA football for the 2025 season. Finebaum, renowned for his candid opinions and outspoken commentary, is no stranger to stirring up debate. His critique of Elko, which quickly went viral, has ignited heated discussions across college football circles.
Elko, who took over as head coach for Texas A&M in 2024 after the departure of Jimbo Fisher, inherited a program in flux. Texas A&M, once a juggernaut in the SEC, had been struggling for consistency in recent years. However, expectations were high for Elko due to his successful tenure as the defensive coordinator at Duke, where he established himself as a rising star in coaching. Fans and pundits alike anticipated that Elko’s defensive prowess and leadership skills would help restore Texas A&M to prominence.
But in Finebaum’s view, Elko has failed to meet those lofty expectations. The criticisms began to surface midway through the 2025 season when the Aggies faced a series of disappointing losses. Under Elko’s leadership, the team appeared disorganized, with offensive struggles compounded by a defense that couldn’t keep up with the dynamic offenses of SEC powerhouses. Key players seemed to regress rather than develop, and the Aggies’ struggles were on full display during high-profile matchups.
Finebaum’s accusations are not without merit, but they certainly paint a bleak and somewhat hyperbolic picture of Elko’s tenure. The criticism centers on several key areas:
1. Recruiting Failures: Texas A&M, known for its aggressive recruiting tactics, was expected to maintain a competitive edge in the recruiting wars. However, Finebaum argues that Elko has failed to secure top-tier talent in a conference that demands excellence year in and year out. While Elko has brought in solid recruits, the class rankings have not been impressive enough to compete with the likes of Alabama, Georgia, and LSU.
2. Inconsistent Game Plans: Finebaum points to Elko’s inability to adjust in crucial games. In a conference as fierce as the SEC, coaches must demonstrate adaptability and foresight. Elko, however, has often been criticized for sticking too rigidly to his defensive schemes without addressing the team’s clear offensive shortcomings. This has led to a string of lopsided defeats, particularly against higher-ranked teams where Texas A&M was expected to be competitive.
3. Player Development Issues: One of the biggest knocks against Elko has been the regression of star players. Quarterback play, in particular, has been an area of concern, with Elko struggling to find a reliable signal-caller. Additionally, his failure to develop a cohesive offensive line has resulted in a stagnant attack, frustrating fans and analysts alike.
4. Team Morale and Leadership: Another facet of Finebaum’s critique is the apparent lack of morale and leadership within the program. Elko’s tenure has been marred by reports of internal discord and a team that seems to lack unity. Leadership is often cited as one of Elko’s strengths, but Finebaum claims that the Aggies have lacked the kind of fire and resilience needed to compete at the highest level of college football.
Despite these strong criticisms, it’s worth considering whether Finebaum’s assessment is too harsh. Coaching in the SEC is never easy, and Elko inherited a program that was still trying to recover from the tumultuous end of Jimbo Fisher’s era. The Aggies are in a rebuilding phase, and perhaps it’s too early to make a definitive judgment on Elko’s future.
Nevertheless, Finebaum’s comments have sparked an intense debate about Elko’s potential and the state of Texas A&M football. Is it fair to label him one of the “worst” coaches in college football after just a season and a half, or does Finebaum’s criticism reveal a deeper issue within the Aggies’ program? Only time will tell, but for now, Elko’s reputation as a head coach hangs in the balance, and the eyes of college football are firmly fixed on Texas A&M.