During Fisher’s time as head coach, he often appeared more as a fast-talking auctioneer rather than a football mentor.

All talk, no substance.

In contrast, Mike Elko brings a different approach.

More importantly, his Aggies demonstrate a different style of play.

They tackle, block, secure the football, and show tremendous resilience.

They win.

Just two months into Elko’s inaugural season, he has spotlighted Fisher’s ongoing failures.

After No. 14 Texas A&M’s impressive 38-23 comeback victory over No. 7 LSU under the bright lights of Kyle Field, Elko addressed the media.

“This is a legitimate program. It’s not a façade,” Elko stated after the win that placed the Aggies (7-1) at the top of the SEC standings. “This isn’t about a politician running this program, talking fast and misleading everyone. This is a legitimate program.”

Wow. That’s quite a statement.

Elko’s comments raised eyebrows.

Although he didn’t directly name Fisher, it was hard not to think of him, given the context and the history between the two.

It could have been a slip, but anyone listening could easily connect his phrases to Fisher, who left with a hefty $77 million buyout and never delivered a single 10-win season.

In just his first season, Elko is on track to hit that milestone before Thanksgiving.

What’s behind this transformation?

“It’s the Elko era, that’s what’s happening,” said Aggies player BJ Mayes, who intercepted LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier twice during a critical second-half comeback.

Mayes, a transfer defensive back who didn’t play under Fisher, has experienced Elko’s coaching style firsthand.

He praised Elko, stating, “He’s a no-nonsense coach, you understand?”

Texas A&M is thriving with tough love.

Who needs time? Not Mike Elko or the Aggies

The call for patience often comes from losing teams, but Elko shatters the myth that a program needs years to turn around. He secured 16 wins in two seasons at Duke, and it’s worth a look at Duke’s past to see how impressive that is.

If Elko’s Aggies can overcome Texas next month – and there’s no reason to believe they can’t – they might just find themselves in the SEC championship game, a feat Fisher never accomplished.

Under Fisher, the Aggies had the talent and financial backing through NIL deals but struggled to translate that into results, especially offensively. Although Fisher was once hailed as a quarterback guru, he exhausted his strategies long before arriving in Texas.

“When I arrived, people were talking about ‘NIL and mercenaries and selfishness’ surrounding this program. To see the progress we’ve made now… those issues aren’t present,” Elko noted. “That speaks volumes about the character of the kids in the locker room.”

Certainly, it does.

Let’s also credit the head coach.

While accolades are typically reserved for later in the season, Elko is already a frontrunner for SEC coach of the year.

Mike Elko transforms the culture at Texas A&M – and its quarterback

Elko has infused a new level of toughness – both mental and physical – to accompany the talent at Texas A&M.

“He understands the game and has shifted the culture,” said quarterback Marcel Reed.

While Fisher’s teams often mastered the art of losing by narrow margins, Elko’s teams know how to clinch victories.

This past Saturday, that meant winning despite two quarterbacks combining for only eight completed passes.

The Aggies’ defense was relentless, putting pressure on Nussmeier in the second half after the LSU quarterback had success in the first half. Elko smartly switched quarterbacks in the third quarter, substituting Conner Weigman for Reed.

When Weigman is at his peak, his throwing ability raises the Aggies’ offensive potential. However, he was far from his best against LSU. The Tigers constantly pressured him, resulting in sacks and numerous incomplete throws.

With LSU leading 17-7 midway through the third quarter, Elko recognized a chance for a change.

Reed’s strengths contrast those of Weigman. He excels in read-option plays, utilizing speed and clever tactics to disorient the Tigers’ defense.

“I ignited a spark,” Reed expressed.

Now, the excitement builds under a coach who speaks less than his predecessor, yet is leading the Aggies to a bright future.

Your achievements communicate a lot.