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Texas A&M Football

Mike Elko elevates Joey Lynch to Texas A&M's quarterback coach

January 1, 2026
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Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko has elevated Joey Lynch to be the Aggies’ new quarterback coach.

TexAgs co-owner and executive editor Billy Liucci was first to report the move.

Lynch, 42, has been on Elko’s staff as an offensive analyst since 2024.

A&M’s quarterback coach position became open following Collin Klein’s departure to become the head coach at Kansas State.

A former quarterback at Ball State from 2003-06, Lynch has been coaching collegiately since beginning his career as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Division II Saint Joseph’s in Indiana back in 2007.

After a one-year stop at Division II Ashland in 2008, Lynch returned to his alma mater as Ball State’s wide receivers coach under Stan Parrish in 2009, and he stayed on staff in Muncie through 2019, eventually becoming the associated head coach, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach under Mike Neu.

In 2020, the Indianapolis native was named the offensive coordinator by Steve Addazio at Colorado State, but he left Fort Collins after the Rams went just 1-3 in a COVID-19-shortened season.

Prior to his 2024 arrival in Aggieland, Lynch was hired by first-year head coach Clark Lea at Vanderbilt to be the Commodores’ quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator.

Lynch’s promotion follows a pattern of elevation within the offensive coaching staff under Mike Elko. On Dec. 15, the Aggie head man announced that receivers coach Holmon Wiggins would assume Klein’s role as offensive coordinator.

Discussion from...

Mike Elko elevates Joey Lynch to Texas A&M's quarterback coach

10,017 Views | 35 Replies | Last: 5 days ago by lkg
Bill Superman
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4:42p, 1/1/26
AG
Elko knows what he's doing.
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LeftyHound
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4:42p, 1/1/26
Dex_Mick_Bear
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4:42p, 1/1/26
Optimistic take:

#1 Indiana is full of no-name coaches, too.
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W
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4:45p, 1/1/26
AG
internal hires aplenty
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Jbob04
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In reply to Bill Superman • 4:45p, 1/1/26
AG
Bill Superman said:
Elko knows what he's doing.

Yes taking the easy route
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Bottlehead90
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4:48p, 1/1/26
AG
Who on staff has had experience calling plays?

I was hoping the qb coach would have play calling experience in case Wiggins struggles

Edit
I see that lynch has been an offensive coordinator before
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Hubert J. Farnsworth
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In reply to Bottlehead90 • 5:00p, 1/1/26
Bottlehead90 said:
Who on staff has had experience calling plays?

I was hoping the qb coach would have play calling experience in case Wiggins struggles


Lynch has been an OC.
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gaudiz
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5:28p, 1/1/26
AG
not exciting
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Fishwrangler11
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5:35p, 1/1/26
AG
The fact that they are trying to hide this in the news cycle on NY day just shows that they didn't get "their guy". Anyone with a brain realizes this and candidly, I'm afraid that this mistake will break Elko.
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Nombre
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5:35p, 1/1/26
AG
Yikes. Harkens back to Clarence McKinney.
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Jbob04
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5:36p, 1/1/26
AG
Just doesn't seem like Elko likes doing coaching searches
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Russ Dalrymple
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5:51p, 1/1/26
AG
Guess it wouldn't be TexAgs without melting down over position coach hires.

Think I will trust Elko with what he wants.
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Ag1188
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In reply to Fishwrangler11 • 5:53p, 1/1/26
AG
We're going wild promoting all our analysts. lol
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LatinAggie1997
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In reply to Fishwrangler11 • 6:05p, 1/1/26
AG
Fishwrangler11 said:
The fact that they are trying to hide this in the news cycle on NY day just shows that they didn't get "their guy". Anyone with a brain realizes this and candidly, I'm afraid that this mistake will break Elko.


Or, Elko wants people that have experience yet want to prove themselves, as opposed to random known re-treads.
Almost the entire Indiana football staff came with Cignetti from JMU.
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Iraq2xVeteran
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6:26p, 1/1/26
AG
Congratulations to Joey Lynch on the promotion to quarterbacks coach.
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Stmichael
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6:53p, 1/1/26
AG
I think there's some real value in this approach: These guys have been on staff interviewing for these promotions since they arrived. If Elko knows what he wants and sees it in them, then why not go with the internal promotion?
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Fishwrangler11
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In reply to LatinAggie1997 • 7:17p, 1/1/26
AG
LatinAggie1997 said:
Fishwrangler11 said:
The fact that they are trying to hide this in the news cycle on NY day just shows that they didn't get "their guy". Anyone with a brain realizes this and candidly, I'm afraid that this mistake will break Elko.


Or, Elko wants people that have experience yet want to prove themselves, as opposed to random known re-treads.
Almost the entire Indiana football staff came with Cignetti from JMU.


Or we have a head coach who doesn't have great offensive connections. Why is it that we're hiring externally on defensive hires and from within for offense? Where are all the people who were criticizing the offensive approach for the last month? Do you not think it wouldn't be much of the same if it's the same staff? I applaud what we've done on the defensive staff, but we really had a chance to upgrade offensively and this doesn't seem like that in any way, which may lead to bottom half SEC production where we have to actually rebuild next year.
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Maroon Flash
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7:31p, 1/1/26
AG
Elko knows these guys and has seen their work ethic. We would have gone nuclear if Aggies had hired Curt Cignetti. Give the new guys a chance. Can't possibly be any worse.
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clt4879
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In reply to Fishwrangler11 • 7:34p, 1/1/26
Maybe when going thru the process he asked what they learned from the previous coach and what they would do different. And those answers were what he wanted to hear which made them the right hire. Sometimes the answers are internal when those above them aren't listening or open to suggestions . Elko has done a lot in 2 years. He deserves and has earned the right to hire who he chooses at this point in my opinion.
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Russ Dalrymple
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8:02p, 1/1/26
AG
The more I read up on both of these hires, the more I feel like we will be just fine.
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Eagle78
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8:12p, 1/1/26
Disappointed. I was hoping Elko would make a splash hire to fill the OC coach position.
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Eagle78
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In reply to Stmichael • 8:21p, 1/1/26
Stmichael said:
I think there's some real value in this approach: These guys have been on staff interviewing for these promotions since they arrived. If Elko knows what he wants and sees it in them, then why not go with the internal promotion?


I'm skepticalbut not dismissive. Look, Joey Lynch can be successful at Texas A&M, but the margin for error is thin, and the context matters a lot.

Why I'm skeptical
1. Stage of career vs. A&M expectations
A&M isn't a developmental OC/QB-coach job. It's a proof-of-mastery job. Lynch has shown promise, but he hasn't yet demonstrated sustained success at SEC speed, with SEC pressure, and SEC scrutiny.
2. QB development rsum
At A&M, the QB room isn't theoreticalit's existential. Booster patience, portal retention, and recruiting all hinge on immediate, visible QB growth. Lynch hasn't yet produced a QB that makes NFL scouts or portal elites say, "That guy was clearly coached up."
3. Context dependency
His best work has come in systems where:
He had time
Expectations were modest
Results could ramp gradually
That luxury does not exist in College Station.
4. Optics & recruiting
Fair or not, perception matters. A&M needs a hire that signals certainty to:
Marcel Reed
Portal QBs
Elite WRs
High-school QB recruits
Lynch doesn't yet send the "no-doubt QB whisperer" signal.

Why I wouldn't write him off completely
He's smart, modern, and adaptable
He understands QB mechanics and spacing concepts
In a lower-pressure P4 job, he could absolutely grow into a very good OC

But A&M isn't a growth incubator right nowit's a results accelerator.

My honest bottom line
Could he succeed? Yes, in the right structure.
Is he the optimal choice for A&M in this moment? No.
Risk level: Medium-High
Upside: Solid, but not transformative
Floor: "Why didn't we just pay for certainty?"

With this hire, it tells me one of two things:
1. Elko struck out on their top NFL/elite college targets,
OR
2. They're betting on system + culture over a proven QB developer

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Bacardi Rambo
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In reply to Fishwrangler11 • 8:58p, 1/1/26
Fishwrangler11 said:
LatinAggie1997 said:
Fishwrangler11 said:
The fact that they are trying to hide this in the news cycle on NY day just shows that they didn't get "their guy". Anyone with a brain realizes this and candidly, I'm afraid that this mistake will break Elko.


Or, Elko wants people that have experience yet want to prove themselves, as opposed to random known re-treads.
Almost the entire Indiana football staff came with Cignetti from JMU.


Or we have a head coach who doesn't have great offensive connections. Why is it that we're hiring externally on defensive hires and from within for offense? Where are all the people who were criticizing the offensive approach for the last month? Do you not think it wouldn't be much of the same if it's the same staff? I applaud what we've done on the defensive staff, but we really had a chance to upgrade offensively and this doesn't seem like that in any way, which may lead to bottom half SEC production where we have to actually rebuild next year.


Elko deserves our trust and has made several excellent changes to the program. Hopefully he's made the right choices this offseason. He has lots of rope going forward

Your theory seems possible though. This may be a bad sign as far as Elko's lack of offensive connections and understanding. Red flags promoting from within when the offense has collapsed each year. Conventional wisdom would suggest the last thing we need is more of the same

It's a bad spot for the entire offensive staff to be in. Have to build a new offensive line in an age where that seems critical as ever. Lose our best WR. We have a QB who has accuracy issues, happy feet, and immediately after the last game states, "i only have small things to work on"…..We have an offensive coordinator who's never called plays before…..

Here's to them figuring it out. They've had two years. One more year to see what they got. Status quo seems like a massive gamble. Hopefully we look stupid and they're great hires
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leardriver
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9:04p, 1/1/26
AG
Quote:
Disappointed. I was hoping Elko would make a splash hire to fill the OC coach position.

Me, too. It's not like Lynch has had a noticeable effect in making Marcel a better qb.

I don't need a splash for PR purposes. However, a really good hire could facilitate qbs and receivers being attracted to the possibilities at A&M. This hire does nothing to move that needle.

CB, '67
Sometimes if you want a different answer, you have to ask a different question.
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ElephantRider
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11:22p, 1/1/26
AG
Who the **** is Joey Lynch?
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CuervoAg
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11:28p, 1/1/26
AG
Any coach associated with Addazio concerns me.
"Fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life son." -- Dean Wormer, Faber College President
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jja79
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In reply to Dex_Mick_Bear • 12:23a, 1/2/26
AG
Dex_Mick_Bear said:
Optimistic take:

#1 Indiana is full of no-name coaches, too.


The head coach is the best coach in college football.
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WC94
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In reply to Eagle78 • 6:17a, 1/2/26
AG
Eagle78 said:
Stmichael said:
I think there's some real value in this approach: These guys have been on staff interviewing for these promotions since they arrived. If Elko knows what he wants and sees it in them, then why not go with the internal promotion?


I'm skepticalbut not dismissive. Look, Joey Lynch can be successful at Texas A&M, but the margin for error is thin, and the context matters a lot.

Why I'm skeptical
1. Stage of career vs. A&M expectations
A&M isn't a developmental OC/QB-coach job. It's a proof-of-mastery job. Lynch has shown promise, but he hasn't yet demonstrated sustained success at SEC speed, with SEC pressure, and SEC scrutiny.
2. QB development rsum
At A&M, the QB room isn't theoreticalit's existential. Booster patience, portal retention, and recruiting all hinge on immediate, visible QB growth. Lynch hasn't yet produced a QB that makes NFL scouts or portal elites say, "That guy was clearly coached up."
3. Context dependency
His best work has come in systems where:
He had time
Expectations were modest
Results could ramp gradually
That luxury does not exist in College Station.
4. Optics & recruiting
Fair or not, perception matters. A&M needs a hire that signals certainty to:
Marcel Reed
Portal QBs
Elite WRs
High-school QB recruits
Lynch doesn't yet send the "no-doubt QB whisperer" signal.

Why I wouldn't write him off completely
He's smart, modern, and adaptable
He understands QB mechanics and spacing concepts
In a lower-pressure P4 job, he could absolutely grow into a very good OC

But A&M isn't a growth incubator right nowit's a results accelerator.

My honest bottom line
Could he succeed? Yes, in the right structure.
Is he the optimal choice for A&M in this moment? No.
Risk level: Medium-High
Upside: Solid, but not transformative
Floor: "Why didn't we just pay for certainty?"

With this hire, it tells me one of two things:
1. Elko struck out on their top NFL/elite college targets,
OR
2. They're betting on system + culture over a proven QB developer



Damn, did you write that or chatGPT? Blue parachute for one of ya'll.
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AgCjammer12
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In reply to Eagle78 • 7:50a, 1/2/26
AG
Why are you using ChatGPT for this.
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Ag in ATL
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8:14a, 1/2/26
AG
What success have we had with splash hires since Jackie? We got one great season out of Jimbo that could be attributed to collected experience as much as anything. We won't attract the equivalent of "splash" hires until we complete our ascent into blue blood territory.
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Blonde Coffee Beans
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In reply to Russ Dalrymple • 9:32a, 1/2/26
Russ Dalrymple said:
Guess it wouldn't be TexAgs without melting down over position coach hires.

Think I will trust Elko with what he wants.


How many of the former A&M HCs did you trust over the last, let's say 30 years?
"I don't care about your feelings OP. I'm not going to let fandom replace reason, thought, and history"
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leardriver
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9:55a, 1/2/26
AG
Quote:
How many of the former A&M HCs did you trust over the last, let's say 30 years?

Exactly. How many times do people you trust have to disappoint you before you wise up? Thirty years worth is as good a marker as any.

CB, '67
Sometimes if you want a different answer, you have to ask a different question.
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Aston04
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10:49a, 1/2/26
AG
The profile of Lunch has one big ommision.. at Vandy, he became offensive coordinator before season started, because (following spring practices) Clark Lea trusted him calling plays more than Lea's new OC hire (who had never been OC before) - David Raih.

Weirdly a very similar situation is playing out here with a newbie OC in charge. I think Lynch will be very involved with helping call plays and I see that as a big positive.

Link: https://247sports.com/college/vanderbilt/article/vanderbilt-offensive-coordinator-david-raih-demoted-joey-lynch-calling-plays-170408530/
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northeastag
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11:12a, 1/2/26
AG
I hope he can coach up Reed to know when to tuck it and run, when to keep looking downfield, when to find the relief valve, and when to throw it away.

It was maddening at times this year (even during our wins) to see how many times Reed had a clear path to a first down by just taking off, only to see him keep looking for the open man until it was too late. He has that natural ability to scramble for an easy first, but has obviously been coached up to only scramble as a last resort.
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lkg
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In reply to Blonde Coffee Beans • 3:23p, 1/2/26
AG
I trusted R.C. Sherill did well; but, seemed awful sneaky. That's about it.
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