Texas A&M’s coaching staff is heading for a major reshuffle in 2026, and the moves coming out of College Station are turning heads across the college football landscape.
Both offensive coordinator Collin Klein and defensive coordinator Jay Bateman are officially on their way out, having accepted new positions elsewhere. But before they pack up, they’ll stick around for one more run - helping guide the Aggies through their College Football Playoff push. That kind of continuity during a high-stakes postseason run can’t be overstated, especially with the CFP spotlight looming large.
But head coach Mike Elko isn’t waiting for the offseason to start shaping the next era of Aggie football. He’s already made key internal promotions and is closing in on another high-impact hire that could solidify his vision for 2026 and beyond.
Lyle Hemphill, who’s been serving as assistant head coach, will step into the defensive coordinator role. Hemphill is no stranger to Elko’s system - their familiarity should help smooth the transition and keep the defensive identity intact.
On the offensive side, wide receivers coach Holmon Wiggins is being elevated to offensive coordinator and will take over play-calling duties starting next season. Wiggins has earned a strong reputation for player development and creativity, and now he gets the keys to the offense - a unit that will look to build on the foundation Klein helped establish.
But Elko isn’t just promoting from within. He’s also eyeing a splash hire to round out his defensive staff.
According to multiple sources, Arkansas defensive coordinator Travis Williams is expected to join the Aggies as their new linebackers coach. That’s a big-time move.
Williams has spent the last three seasons calling plays for the Razorbacks' defense, and he’s drawn interest from several top-tier programs.
What makes Williams such an intriguing addition isn’t just his defensive mind - though that’s certainly a big part of it. He’s also a proven recruiter, and in today’s college football landscape, where the transfer portal moves fast and often, that kind of edge can make a real difference. If he does land in College Station, expect him to make an immediate impact both on the field and in the recruiting battles.
Elko’s approach here is calculated. He’s blending continuity with fresh energy, promoting coaches who know the program’s DNA while bringing in outside talent with proven track records. It’s a balancing act that could pay dividends as the Aggies look to stay competitive in the SEC and beyond.
With the College Football Playoff still ahead and a revamped staff already taking shape, Texas A&M isn’t just preparing for the postseason - they’re building something for the long haul.