Texas A&M Football Navigates Coordinator Changes, Promotes Lyle Hemphill
Texas A&M University is undergoing significant shifts in its football program’s leadership, announcing the promotion of Lyle Hemphill to defensive coordinator following the departure of Jay Bateman. This move comes within a week of the Aggies also losing their offensive coordinator, signaling a period of transition for head coach Mike Elko.
The Aggies swiftly moved to fill the defensive coordinator vacancy, elevating Hemphill, previously the associate head coach on defense. A source with knowledge of the situation confirmed the promotion, which was later officially announced by the Texas A&M football program to KBTX, stating the decision was mutually beneficial for all parties involved.
Hemphill’s Return to College Station
This appointment marks a second opportunity for Hemphill to work alongside Elko, having previously collaborated at Duke University. He joined Elko’s staff in June 2025 as associate head coach for defense, bringing a wealth of experience to the role. Prior to rejoining Elko, Hemphill served as the defensive coordinator and safeties coach at James Madison University during the 2024 season.
The timing of these changes is particularly noteworthy, coinciding with the departure of offensive coordinator Collin Klein, who accepted the head coaching position at Kansas State. Elko addressed the timeline for naming Klein’s replacement, indicating a preference to wait until after the team’s potential playoff run.
“I think we’re in a pretty good place with it,” Elko said. “I think our intentions right now are to try to get through the season and let that thing play out. But I think, yeah, we’re in a really good place with knowing which direction we want to go with that.”
These coaching changes present both challenges and opportunities for the Aggies as they navigate the upcoming season and beyond. The program’s ability to maintain stability and continuity during this period will be crucial to its continued success.
