Mike Elko Salary & Net worth 2023: The New Coach of Duke Football

Mike Elko is a name that has been making headlines in the college football world lately. He is the new head coach of the Duke Blue Devils, replacing David Cutcliffe who parted ways with the program after 14 years. Elko is a former defensive coordinator for Texas A&M, Notre Dame, Wake Forest, Bowling Green, Richmond and Fordham. He is known for his remarkable football mind and his ability to build successful defenses in various conferences. In this article, we will explore Mike Elko’s salary, net worth, earning career, personal life, and how much he makes as the new coach of Duke football.

Duke football coach salary

Mike Elko is one of the highest-paid defensive coordinators in college football. According to FACTUAL IDEAS, he earned an average salary of $1.8 million per year at Texas A&M from 2018 to 2021. He also received a $2.1 million salary when he left Notre Dame for Texas A&M in 2018. His net worth is estimated to be between $8 million and $12 million dollars.

Mike Elko Net Worth

As the new head coach of Duke football, Mike Elko will receive a significant raise from his previous salary. He signed a six-year contract with Duke that will pay him $3.5 million per year, plus incentives and bonuses. This makes him the highest-paid coach in Duke history and one of the top earners in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Mike Elko Earning Career

Mike Elko started his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Stony Brook in 1999. He then moved to Merchant Marine Academy as the defensive coordinator and secondary coach in 2000. He joined Fordham as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach in 2001, working under Dave Clawson who was the head coach at the time. He followed Clawson to Richmond in 2004, where he served as the defensive coordinator and safeties coach until 2008.

In 2009, Elko joined Bowling Green as the defensive coordinator and safeties coach, again under Clawson. He helped the Falcons win two Mid-American Conference (MAC) championships in 2013 and 2015. He also improved the defense from ranking 119th nationally in scoring defense in 2009 to ranking fifth in 2013.

In 2014, Elko was hired by Wake Forest as the defensive coordinator and safeties coach, replacing Brian Knorr who left for Indiana. He transformed the Demon Deacons’ defense from ranking 109th nationally in scoring defense in 2014 to ranking 20th in 2016. He also led the defense to rank third nationally in turnovers gained (27) and fourth in interceptions (18) in 2016.

In 2017, Elko was hired by Notre Dame as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, replacing Brian VanGorder who was fired after four games in 2016. He improved the Fighting Irish’s defense from ranking 62nd nationally in scoring defense in 2016 to ranking 31st in 2017. He also helped Notre Dame win 10 games and reach the Citrus Bowl in his only season there.

In 2018, Elko was hired by Texas A&M as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, replacing John Chavis who left for Arkansas. He worked under Jimbo Fisher who was the new head coach of the Aggies. He led the defense to rank second nationally in rushing defense (95.4 yards per game) and third in tackles for loss (8.5 per game) in 2019. He also helped Texas A&M win four bowl games and finish fourth in the final AP poll in 2020.

In 2021, Elko was hired by Duke as the head coach, replacing David Cutcliffe who resigned after posting a 4-22 record in his last two seasons. He became the first defensive-minded head coach at Duke since Fred Goldsmith who coached from 1994 to 1998. He aims to bring excellence and championships to Duke football.

Personal Life

Mike Elko was born on July 28, 1977, in South Brunswick, New Jersey. He attended South Brunswick High School where he played baseball, basketball and football as a quarterback. He graduated from high school in 1995 and was inducted into the school’s athletic hall of fame in 2012.

Elko enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania where he played football as a safety for the Penn Quakers. He won the Ivy League championship in 1998 and graduated with a degree in political science.

Elko is married to Michelle, whom he met at Fordham. They have three children: Andrew, Kaitlyn and Michael. Elko is a family man who values his wife and kids above everything else. He also enjoys golfing and fishing in his spare time.

How Much Does He Make?

Mike Elko makes $3.5 million per year as the head coach of Duke football, plus incentives and bonuses. This is a significant increase from his previous salary of $1.8 million per year as the defensive coordinator of Texas A&M. Elko is one of the highest-paid coaches in college football and the ACC.

Conclusion

Mike Elko is a successful and respected football coach who has built impressive defenses at various levels and conferences. He is the new head coach of Duke football, where he hopes to revive the program and compete for championships. He is also a wealthy and happy family man who loves his wife and children. Mike Elko is a name that you should remember and follow in the college football world.

Most Asked Questions and Answers

Q: Where did Mike Elko coach before Duke?

A: Mike Elko coached at Texas A&M as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach from 2018 to 2021.

Q: How old is Mike Elko?

A: Mike Elko is 46 years old as of 2023. He was born on July 28, 1977.

Q: Who is Mike Elko’s wife?

A: Mike Elko’s wife is Michelle, whom he met at Fordham. They have been married for over 15 years.

Q: How many children does Mike Elko have?

A: Mike Elko has three children: Andrew, Kaitlyn and Michael.

Q: What is Mike Elko’s net worth?

A: Mike Elko’s net worth is estimated to be between $8 million and $12 million dollars.

Q: What is Mike Elko’s salary?

A: Mike Elko’s salary is $3.5 million per year as the head coach of Duke football, plus incentives and bonuses.

Q: What is Mike Elko’s contract with Duke?

A: Mike Elko’s contract with Duke is a six-year deal that will pay him $3.5 million per year, plus incentives and bonuses.

Q: Where did Mike Elko play college football?

A: Mike Elko played college football at the University of Pennsylvania as a safety for the Penn Quakers. He won the Ivy League championship in 1998.

Q: Where did Mike Elko grow up?

A: Mike Elko grew up in South Brunswick, New Jersey. He attended South Brunswick High School where he played baseball, basketball and football as a quarterback.

Q: What is Mike Elko’s coaching philosophy?

A: Mike Elko’s coaching philosophy is based on building strong relationships with his players, staff and recruits. He also emphasizes fundamentals, discipline, effort and execution on the field. He wants his teams to play with passion, toughness and intelligence.