Aggies move fast to replace Bateman, targeting elite recruiter Travis Williams to stabilize defense.
The Texas A&M Aggies' coaching staff is set to look significantly different in 2026, and the latest move underscores how aggressively head coach Mike Elko is reshaping his defensive infrastructure.
Following defensive coordinator Jay Bateman's departure to take the same role at Kentucky, Texas A&M promoted Lyle Hemphill from within to fill the coordinator vacancy.
Bateman’s exit, however, also left the Aggies without a linebackers coach at a pivotal moment in the season.
According to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports, Texas A&M is expected to fill that opening by hiring former Arkansas defensive coordinator Travis Williams.
"Texas A&M is expected to hire Travis Williams as linebackers coach, sources tell @CBSSports," Zenitz reported. "Was Arkansas' defensive coordinator the last three years after two as DC at UCF. In addition to his work as a coach, has been consistently recognized as one of nation's top recruiters."
Williams, 42, brings a resume that blends SEC experience, NFL playing credentials, and a reputation as one of college football's most effective recruiters. A former Auburn and Atlanta Falcons linebacker, Williams entered coaching in 2009 at Auburn before landing his first linebackers coach role at Northern Iowa in 2012.
After a brief high school stint, he returned to Auburn in 2014 as a defensive analyst and steadily climbed the ranks, eventually becoming linebackers coach and later co-defensive coordinator in 2019 and 2020.
His first full defensive coordinator opportunity came at UCF in 2021, followed by a move to Arkansas in 2023. According to his Arkansas bio, his initial season with the Razorbacks produced one of the program’s best defensive units in years.
"Williams' first defense at Arkansas was statistically one of the program's best in a decade," the bio stated. "The Hogs allowed only 357.2 yards per game, the lowest average per game since 2014."
The bio further noted, "The Razorbacks ranked fourth in the SEC in passing yards allowed per game with 202.8 yards… Arkansas' 12 interceptions ranked third in the league… The Hogs' defense scored five total touchdowns on the season."
Williams was dismissed this past September by interim Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino following Sam Pittman's firing, but his reputation as a recruiter remains elite.
He played a major role in landing top prospects such as five-star linebacker Owen Pappoe and several highly regarded Georgia-based recruits, an area that remains vital to Texas A&M’s long-term talent strategy.
If finalized, the hire would mark another decisive step in Elko's ongoing rebuild.