Duke made bid to retain Mike Elko, names Trooper Taylor interim coach

Field Level Media|published: Mon 27th November, 14:44 2023

Nov 25, 2023; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Elko looks on before the first half of the game against Pittsburgh Panthers at Wallace Wade Stadium. credits: Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports

Duke bargained with head coach Mike Elko "into the late hours" on Monday morning before he opted to accept a new job at Texas A&M.

Trooper Taylor was named interim head coach following the formal announcement by Texas A&M of Elko's hiring.

"I met with the current student-athletes this morning as well as the staff," athletic director Nina King said Monday.

Taylor, 53, has been on the Duke coaching staff since 2019 in multiple roles and held the title of associate head coach and RBs coach in 2023.

King said a national search headed by Parker Executive Search was underway Monday.

"Our goal is to find an exceptional head coach to come in and lead this group of elite student-athletes. We will be thorough in our process and we will act swiftly," King said.

Taylor's stints as an assistant coach include major programs Baylor (1993-97), Tennessee (2004-07), Oklahoma State (2008) and Auburn (2009-12).

—Field Level Media