Elijah Robinson Returning to Texas A&M as DL Coach in Familiar Reunion Under Mike Elko
Texas A&M is bringing back a familiar face to its sideline, and for Aggie fans, this one should feel like a homecoming. After a brief stint away, Elijah Robinson is set to return to College Station as the defensive line coach under head coach Mike Elko - a reunion that reconnects two key figures from the Jimbo Fisher era and brings back one of the program’s most respected leaders.
The move comes after Sean Spencer left the Aggies to join James Franklin’s staff at Virginia Tech in the same role. That opened the door for Robinson, who spent the past two seasons as the defensive coordinator at Syracuse, to make his way back to Aggieland.
A Familiar Face with Deep Ties
Robinson isn’t just another assistant coach cycling through the college football carousel. He was the Aggies’ defensive line coach for the entirety of the Jimbo Fisher era, including four seasons working directly under Elko when he served as defensive coordinator. That familiarity matters - not just for scheme continuity, but for the relationships Robinson already has in the building.
When Fisher was fired in 2023, Robinson stepped in as interim head coach and was a popular candidate among players to take over the job permanently. Ultimately, the university went with Elko, but the respect Robinson earned during that stretch was undeniable. He was reportedly offered the chance to stay on as DL coach, but understandably opted for a promotion to defensive coordinator on Fran Brown’s new staff at Syracuse.
A Tough Year in Syracuse
Things didn’t go as planned in upstate New York. Syracuse struggled defensively in 2025, leading to Robinson being demoted midseason. That shift prompted him to explore other opportunities, with his name briefly linked to potential roles on Lane Kiffin’s staff at LSU and Matt Rhule’s at Nebraska.
But when the Texas A&M job opened up, the fit was too strong to ignore. Robinson’s return came together quickly - and for good reason.
Impact on the Aggies’ 2026 Staff
Robinson’s return brings more than just coaching experience. He’s widely regarded as one of the top recruiters in the country, with a track record of landing elite defensive line talent. That’s a major asset for a program looking to solidify its identity under Elko and continue to build in the trenches.
And while he’s only been gone two seasons, plenty of players on the current roster were either recruited by Robinson or played under him. That kind of continuity - both in scheme and in culture - can go a long way in a sport where relationships matter just as much as Xs and Os.
One More Hire to Go
With both coordinator spots already shuffled and filled internally, Elko’s staff is nearly complete. But there’s still one key vacancy: quarterback coach. It’s a critical hire, especially with Marcel Reed showing flashes of potential late in the season but still needing refinement in areas like decision-making and pocket presence.
Offensive coordinator Collin Klein previously handled QB duties, so the new hire will be tasked with helping Reed - or whoever takes the reins in 2026 - take that next step. In a conference where quarterback play can make or break a season, that decision could end up being the most important one Elko makes this offseason.
For now, though, bringing Robinson back into the fold is a move that checks a lot of boxes: familiarity, recruiting chops, leadership, and a proven track record with the Aggies. It’s a win for the program - and a return that feels like it was always meant to happen.