What began as a breakthrough season under second-year coach Mike Elko finished with a thud. A two-game skid to close the season. Adding to the program’s woes, a staff shuffle has begun. But now, Elko and his staff are beginning to adjust to major changes within the coaching lineup.

Virginia Tech is targeting Texas A&M defensive line coach Sean Spencer to join James Franklin’s staff in the same role, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz. Spencer becomes the first reported position-coach hire for the Hokies since the news broke about Franklin and the return of Brent Pry to run the defense. Just like that, Spencer’s resume is built on familiarity and firepower.

He knows Franklin and Pry, as he spent nine seasons alongside them as the defensive line coach, first at Vanderbilt from 2011 to 2013, then at PSU from 2014 to 2019. Over the last 15 seasons, Spencer has lived in big rooms. After PSU, he made stops with the New York Giants, Texas A&M, and Florida and built the defensive line.

While VT works to poach A&M’s D-line coach, Elko is moving quickly. A notable replacement is already in place, and it’s a familiar face. Elijah Robinson is expected to rejoin Texas A&M’s coaching staff after two seasons at Syracuse. The reunion makes sense, as the two (Elko and Robinson) built trust years ago, working side by side when Elko ran the Aggies’ defense from 2018 to 2021.

Robinson spent six seasons anchoring the defensive line under Jimbo Fisher from 2018 through 2023. His role grew even bigger, earning a promotion to co-DC in 2023. Now, the band is getting back together, and the trenches are once again in familiar hands.

But with Jay Bateman already leaving for Kentucky, the changes aren’t limited to the defensive line.

With OC Collin Klein gone to take the head coaching job at Kansas State, he has created new challenges and new holes for Mike Elko’s Texas A&M. Defensive coordinator Jordan Peterson is headed to Kansas State, where he’ll serve as Klein’s first defensive coordinator. Although the Aggies tried to keep him. But Peterson chose the next step. An A&M graduate, his ties to the program ran deep.

Before College Station, he spent four years in Kansas, coaching at the University of Kansas under Les Miles and later Lance Leipold. Now, while the journey continues in Manhattan, the Aggies absorb a notable loss.

In 2024, Peterson led a secondary that finished 14th nationally with 16 interceptions. That same year, recruiting was his calling card. He was ranked the No. 1 recruiter in the Big 12. When he moved to Texas A&M, he didn’t skip a beat, landing among the top 50 recruiters in the nation.

Now, with these staff poachings, the head coach found a swift solution as well.

Mike Elko’s coaching staff adjustments

While Texas A&M is moving fast, taking over for Collin Klein, Holmon Wiggins has been promoted to offensive coordinator. Although Klein remained with the Aggies through the CFP. But now, Wiggins, previously co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach, will step into the role.

Wiggins brings championship experience from five seasons at Alabama, including three as assistant head coach of offense, making him a natural fit for the sudden vacancy. Probably, that’s why he seems like the right fit for calling the offensive line to Mike Elko.

“Really felt like the right person for the job was Holmon Wiggins,” said Elko. “We’ve elevated him to the offensive coordinator position, and he’s the only person we offered the job to. … We felt that was the best thing for Texas A&M football moving forward.”

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But we already know the shake-up doesn’t stop on offense. That’s why Elko quickly promoted Lyle Hemphill from associate head coach for defense to defensive coordinator after Bateman left for Kentucky.

With these swift moves, Elko is signaling a rapid reset, protecting the team’s momentum.