As Penn State searches for a replacement for James Franklin, Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko has surfaced as a compelling candidate, potentially overtaking early favorite Matt Rhule for the job.

ESPN analyst advises Texas A&M head football coach Mike Elko to leave College Station for the vacant job at Penn State

The Texas A&M head coach is among the top candidates for the Nittany Lions' head coaching job. How well would he fit at Penn State?

Elko is one of multiple coaches asked about the Penn State opening in recent weeks, as Nebraska coach Matt Rhule, who is connected with Nittany Lions athletic director Pat Kraft, was also asked about the job. Former Penn State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz was also asked about the role.

Texas A&M's Mike Elko spoke with reporters Monday about the rumors linking him to the open Penn State position.

After a 3-0 start and being as high as the No. 7 team in the AP Poll led to a horrendous three-game skid and a swift kick right out of the Top 25, the Penn State Nittany Lions had finally had enough and handed head coach James Franklin his walking papers.

Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko, who has been <a href=" to the Penn State head coach opening, offered his thoughts on the way coach hirings are covered during his press conference on Monday.

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) - Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko fired back at a report that he is a prime target for Penn State’s vacant head coaching position as “a waste of brain space” during his weekly press conference Monday.

While Lane Kiffin appears to be the No. 1 target in the SEC, the Penn State opening appears to be more of a mystery now.

Penn State's search for a new head coach has taken a serious hit this month. Two weeks ago, Indiana signed Curt Cignetti to an eight-year contract that'll pay him an average salary of about $11.6 million.

The Penn State Nittany Lions would face the same issue with a Brian Hartline or Mike Elko hire this offseason.