Notre Dame DC Elko moving to Texas A&M

Jan 4, 2018 - 9:37 PM Notre Dame defensive coordinator Mike Elko, who was a significant factor in the Fighting Irish's improvement this season, is leaving to take the same position at Texas A&M under new coach Jimbo Fisher.

Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly made the announcement Thursday via Twitter:

"Mike Elko has made a decision to accept an offer to be the defensive coordinator at Texas A&M. We appreciate (Elko's) work and effort over the last year with our program and wish him the best moving forward," Kelly tweeted. "Notre Dame simply attracts people at the top of their profession and, with a young and talented football team coming back in 2018, we'll certainly add our next great defensive coordinator in very short order."

Kelly hired Elko a year ago and he helped improve the Irish from 4-8 in 2016 to their 10-3 record this season.

Notre Dame's defense went from allowing 5.40 yards per play in 2016 to 5.05 yards per play this season.

Kelly told Irish Illustrated prior to the Citrus Bowl that he expected his entire staff back next season.

"Yeah, it's been a challenge, but we'll all be together," Kelly told Irish Illustrated. "At first glance, yeah, I think you're always on guard (about losing a coach), especially the defensive coordinator position. Mike came in, did a really good job. His name was out there, but he's gonna be here at Notre Dame."

New Texas A&M head coach Fisher tried to hire defensive coordinator Dave Aranda away from LSU, but Aranda opted to remain with the Tigers. He signed a four-year, $10 million contract with LSU.