Elko Tabbed to Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Watch List
Oct 15, 2025 | Football
HOUSTON – Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko was one of 28 coaches named to the 2025 Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year Award watch list, the organization announced Wednesday.
The award is given each January to a college football coach for contributions that make the sport better for athletes and fans alike by demonstrating grit, integrity and a winning approach to coaching and life – both on and off the field.
Elko has the Aggies 6-0 overall, matching the team's best start since 2016, and 3-0 in SEC play heading into their Week 8 matchup at Arkansas on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT. Texas A&M is one of six FBS teams nationally ranked in the top 25 in total offense and total defense. Adding in punt and kickoff return average for the special teams component, the Aggies and Indiana are the only programs ranked in the top 25 in all four categories.
Over Elko's last two years at the helm of Texas A&M's program, he has compiled a 14-5 (.737) overall ledger with an 8-3 (.727) mark in conference play. Additionally, the Aggies are 10-2 (.833) when playing at Kyle Field.
The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, presents the Bear Bryant Awards annually to celebrate excellence in coaching, to honor coach Bryant's legacy and to raise awareness and critical funds for its mission. The coaching legend died from a heart attack in 1983, just 28 days after his final victory and retirement.
Now in its 40th year, the Coach of the Year award winner will be presented Wednesday, January 21, 2026 during the Association's annual Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year Awards ceremony, in Houston, Texas. The ceremony, presented by Memorial Hermann Health System, will be broadcast on the CBS Sports Network.
The watch list, finalists and Coach of the Year recipient are voted on by the National Sports Media Association, the Bryant Awards' Executive Leadership Team and the Bryant Family.
The award is given each January to a college football coach for contributions that make the sport better for athletes and fans alike by demonstrating grit, integrity and a winning approach to coaching and life – both on and off the field.
Elko has the Aggies 6-0 overall, matching the team's best start since 2016, and 3-0 in SEC play heading into their Week 8 matchup at Arkansas on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT. Texas A&M is one of six FBS teams nationally ranked in the top 25 in total offense and total defense. Adding in punt and kickoff return average for the special teams component, the Aggies and Indiana are the only programs ranked in the top 25 in all four categories.
Over Elko's last two years at the helm of Texas A&M's program, he has compiled a 14-5 (.737) overall ledger with an 8-3 (.727) mark in conference play. Additionally, the Aggies are 10-2 (.833) when playing at Kyle Field.
The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, presents the Bear Bryant Awards annually to celebrate excellence in coaching, to honor coach Bryant's legacy and to raise awareness and critical funds for its mission. The coaching legend died from a heart attack in 1983, just 28 days after his final victory and retirement.
Now in its 40th year, the Coach of the Year award winner will be presented Wednesday, January 21, 2026 during the Association's annual Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year Awards ceremony, in Houston, Texas. The ceremony, presented by Memorial Hermann Health System, will be broadcast on the CBS Sports Network.
The watch list, finalists and Coach of the Year recipient are voted on by the National Sports Media Association, the Bryant Awards' Executive Leadership Team and the Bryant Family.
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