Texas A&M is making a bold move to boost their coaching staff, taking full advantage of the NCAA’s new rule for unlimited on-field coaches starting in 2025. With second-year head coach Mike Elko at the helm, the Aggies want to sharpen their on-field performance by tapping into a bigger pool of coaching experience.
The NCAA Division I Council lifted the cap of 11 on-field coaches for FBS programs, though off-campus recruiting still stays limited to the head coach and 10 assistants. This change opened the door for Texas A&M to promote analysts and bring in seasoned coaches to strengthen both offense and defense.
Texas A&M’s Expanded Coaching Staff
Thanks to the NCAA’s rule change, Texas A&M added four new on-field coaching positions this offseason. Now, the Aggies have 14 assistants with on-field titles and duties, plus head coach Mike Elko.
They’re counting on this expansion to unlock more player potential by adding coaches with specialized skills and backgrounds. Honestly, it just feels like a smart way to get more hands on deck.
New Additions to the Coaching Staff
The Aggies made some targeted hires to round out their staff, including:
- Christian Ellsworth – Tight Ends Coach
- Bryant Gross-Armiento – Nickels Coach
- Lyle Hemphill – Associate Head Coach of Defense
- John Perry – Assistant Wide Receivers Coach
Ellsworth and Gross-Armiento had already been with the Aggies before stepping into their new on-field roles. Hemphill and Perry, though, bring decades of experience—Hemphill since 2002 and Perry since 1993.
Hemphill ran James Madison’s defense last year, and the Dukes put up some impressive defensive stats. Perry, meanwhile, has done everything from NFL position coach to college coordinator, which should give the offense a real lift.
Key Coaching Roles and Responsibilities
Along with the new faces, Texas A&M’s 2025 staff features several key coaches in important roles:
- Collin Klein – Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
- Holmon Wiggins – Co-Offensive Coordinator/Receivers
- Adam Cushing – Run Game Coordinator/Offensive Line
- Trooper Taylor – Associate Head Coach of Offense/Running Backs
- Jay Bateman – Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers
- Jordan Peterson – Co-Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs
- Ishmael Aristide – Defensive Backs
- Sean Spencer – Defensive Line
- Tony Jerod-Eddie – Defensive Line
- Patrick Dougherty – Special Teams Coordinator
Each coach brings their own flavor and expertise, covering every inch of the team’s needs. Head coach Mike Elko has focused on filling the staff with quality coaches and matching roles to the new rules, swapping out lower-end spots for folks with real experience.
Strategic Adjustments and Salaries
Bringing in Lyle Hemphill and John Perry helped modernize the staff to fit the NCAA’s updated guidelines. Hemphill already knows Elko’s system from their time together at Hofstra and Duke, which should help the defense stay on the same page.
Perry’s background as a college head coach and offensive coordinator adds more depth to the offense. Hemphill signed a two-year, $1.5 million contract, making $700,000 this year and $800,000 next, with incentives. Texas A&M paid James Madison a $38,768.17 buyout to get him on board.
Perry agreed to a two-year, $900,000 deal, earning $425,000 this year and $475,000 next. The program paid Rutgers a $120,000 buyout for him. Gross-Armiento got a two-year, $900,000 extension ($450,000 per year) with incentives, while Ellsworth’s annual base salary sits at $300,000.
Impact on Texas A&M’s Performance
With more coaches in the mix, Texas A&M expects a real boost on the field next season. Coaches in key spots can now give players more focused training and feedback, hopefully raising everyone’s game.
Le’Veon Moss and the Running Back Depth
One name to watch is running back Le’Veon Moss. He was arguably the SEC’s top back for the first eight games of 2024, averaging over six yards per carry and four yards after contact.
After his season ended early against South Carolina, Moss is back and ready to make noise. The running back group is deep, though, so Moss probably won’t have to carry the ball 18 to 22 times a game.
Last year, the Aggies spread out the carries. Amari Daniels averaged nearly five yards per touch, and Rueben Owens—once a five-star recruit—got 13 carries versus USC in the bowl game.
EJ Smith, Emmett’s son, is a reliable pass blocker and knows how to run routes and read blocks. With this much depth, the staff can keep Moss’s carries near 15 per game, which should help keep him healthy through the season.
Conclusion
With the NCAA’s new rule allowing unlimited on-field coaches, Texas A&M has jumped at the chance to expand its coaching staff for the 2025 season. They’ve brought in experienced coaches for key roles.
The Aggies have real depth and talent among their players. Head coach Mike Elko seems determined to get the most out of this group and isn’t afraid to shake things up.
If you’re curious about Texas A&M’s coaching staff or their plans for next season, you can check out the full article on 247Sports.
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