Texas A&M's offseason transfer portal additions, combined with the 2025 signing class, overshadowed the hiring of former James Madison defensive coordinator Lyle Hemphill, who coached a 23rd-ranked defense last season after serving under Mike Elko as Duke's safeties coach during the 2023 season. While it was rumored that DC Jay Bateman would be replaced this offseason, Hemphill's addition did not result in any significant shakeup.
Bateman will continue to serve as the Aggies' defensive coordinator, but Elko and Hemphill will help him take a more cohesive approach to improving a defense that struggled down the stretch, especially in the secondary. On Tuesday, Bateman and OC Collin Klein spoke to the media to discuss Hemphill's impact so far, noting that his addition will improve the team and provide more solutions and ideas.
"Lyle is really knowledgable in Mike's system and how Mike wants to do things. … It's one more voice in the room. It has been a big help."
Bateman hit the nail on the head by noting Hemphill's knowledge of Mike Elko's defensive system during his time at Duke, especially knowing that the head coach will take a more prominent role in the defensive play calling and design of the defense ahead of what is a critical second season for both coaches.
Texas A&M's tackling issues need to be addressed this spring, and right off the bat, Bateman stated that fixing these problems has been an area of focus that will continue into the fall.
"Fundamentally, we're looking at how we're teaching tackling, how we're drilling tackling. We've made some improvements there."
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M DC Jay Bateman praises the addition of Lyle Hemphill
