Elijah Robinson is heading back to a familiar place - College Station - as he rejoins Texas A&M’s coaching staff. After two seasons as Syracuse’s defensive coordinator, Robinson has been hired by Aggies head coach Mike Elko to serve as co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach.
This move marks a return to a program where Robinson previously spent six years in a variety of roles, including defensive line coach, run game coordinator, co-defensive coordinator, assistant head coach, and even interim head coach for a three-game stint following Jimbo Fisher’s departure. His familiarity with the Aggies’ culture and expectations should make for a seamless transition.
Robinson's departure comes amid a major reshuffling of Syracuse’s coaching staff. The Orange finished a disappointing 3-9 in 2025, and the defense - despite Robinson’s leadership - struggled to find consistency.
In early December, new head coach Fran Brown, a longtime friend of Robinson’s from their shared roots in Camden, New Jersey, announced a significant staff shake-up. One of the more notable changes was Robinson’s reassignment to co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach - a clear signal that change was coming.
Not long after that announcement, Robinson became a name to watch on the coaching carousel. Programs like LSU, Nebraska, Penn State, and Texas A&M were all reportedly interested. Ultimately, it was the Aggies who brought him back into the fold.
For Texas A&M, this hire adds a proven recruiter and a coach with deep ties to the program. Robinson’s previous stint in College Station saw him play a key role in developing talent along the defensive line and contributing to the Aggies’ recruiting success - a strength he’ll be expected to continue under Elko.
Meanwhile, Syracuse is moving quickly to reshape its staff. Brown has brought in Vince Kehres, formerly the defensive coordinator at Toledo, to take over the Orange defense. Kehres brings a strong track record of building disciplined, aggressive units - something Syracuse will need as it looks to rebound in 2026.
On the defensive line, Georgia State’s Jeremy Hawkins is expected to join the Orange as the new position coach. Hawkins served as both defensive line coach and assistant head coach at Georgia State and is known for his energy on the recruiting trail and ability to develop young talent in the trenches.
Syracuse is also adding veteran coach Juan Castillo to lead the offensive line. Castillo brings decades of experience at both the college and NFL levels, most recently serving as an offensive analyst at Michigan. His addition adds another layer of experience and stability to a staff undergoing a full-scale transformation.
As the Orange continue to build out their new-look coaching staff under Brown, more announcements are expected in the coming days. But one thing is already clear: Syracuse is turning the page and betting on a fresh approach to get the program back on track.