Dec. 22, 2025, 2:33 p.m. CT
Texas A&M’s coaching staff is poised to look a whole lot different heading into the 2026 offseason, knowing that Collin Klein is officially Kansas State’s new head coach, while defensive coordinator Jay Bateman is headed to Kentucky in the same job, this time as the primary play caller.
After Texas A&M’s 10-3 first-round CFP loss to Miami, head coach Mike Elko didn’t mince words when discussing the need to fix the glaring issues on defense, specifically the run defense, which allowed Miami running back Mark Fletcher to rush for 172 yards, including 10 yards per carry. While this issue is likely personnel-related, coaching discipline also plays a significant role in the lack of success against physical, downhill backs.
With the news that co-defensive line coach Sean Spencer is headed to Virginia Tech in a lateral move, Elko quickly made a move to bring back Elijah Robinson to the 2026 staff. For Aggie fans who have forgotten, Robinson served as Texas A&M’s interim head coach after Jimbo Fisher was fired at the end of the 2023 season and was on staff for six seasons as a defensive line coach.
Robinson is also one of the top recruiters in the country and has sent a long list of defensive linemen and edge rushers to the NFL during his time in College Station. By all accounts, this is a slam-dunk hire. On Monday, it was revealed that Robinson officially signed his contract with the program and will now serve as co-defensive coordinator alongside Lyle Hemphill and defensive line coach.
Mike Elko deserves credit for giving Robinson the title he deserves, overseeing the 2026 defense with Hemphill, and serving alongside co-defensive line coach Tony Jerod-Eddie. In combination with new linebackers coach Travis Williams, Texas A&M’s run defense should drastically improve next season.
Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.