A major piece of Notre Dame’s turnaround on the gridiron this last season is heading south.
Defensive Coordinator Mike Elko is taking the same position with Texas A&M.
Head Coach Brian Kelly officially announced the move on Twitter Thursday, thanking him for his work in 2017 and promising to “add our next great defensive coordinator in very short order.”
Mike Elko pic.twitter.com/jk6uq2T0Qj
— Brian Kelly (@CoachBrianKelly) January 4, 2018
Elko joined Notre Dame last year. Before that, he spent three seasons leading one of the nation’s best defenses at Wake Forest.
Immediate reaction from Notre Dame players on Twitter was…mixed to say the least. Ranging from angry…
This must be what getting cheated on feels like… pic.twitter.com/6eqNFBPwSI
— J. Jones (@KingCaarlos) January 4, 2018
To understanding…
Part of the buisness. Sign to a place cause of their cultures and beliefs not because of a coach 🤘✊ https://t.co/XgCNdNfQTQ
— Derrik Allen (@DsmoothAllen) January 4, 2018
Meanwhile, Notre Dame also lost strength coach Dave Ballou to Indiana University Thursday.
We would like to welcome our new Head Football Strength and Conditioning Coach, @IU_CoachBallou, to #iufb!
📰: https://t.co/FXY7JBcfPm pic.twitter.com/f3Mc0A78Rr
— Indiana Football (@HoosierFootball) January 4, 2018