Full History Of Texas A&M Aggies football In Timeline From 1901

1901: W. A. Murray Head Coach

From 1899 to 1901, W. A. Murray served as Texas A&M's head coach, compiling a record of 7-8-1.

1902: J. E. Platt Head Coach

In 1902, J. E. Platt became Texas A&M's head coach.

1904: J. E. Platt Head Coach

From 1902 to 1904, J. E. Platt served as Texas A&M's head coach, with his teams compiling an 18-5-3 record.

1904: Kyle Field in rudimentary form

In 1904, Kyle Field became the home to the Aggies in a rudimentary form.

1909: Charley Moran Head Coach

In 1909, Charley Moran became head coach, leading an undefeated team.

1909: First on-campus Aggie Bonfire

In 1909, the first on-campus Aggie Bonfire was burned.

1912: Bonfire Construction with "found" debris

In 1912, Aggies constructed the Bonfire from debris and pieces of wood that they "found," including lumber intended for a dormitory.

1914: Charley Moran Coaching Tenure

From 1909 to 1914, A&M had a 38-8-4 record under Charley Moran.

1919: Dana X. Bible Becomes Head Coach and National Champions

In 1919, Dana X. Bible became Texas A&M's head coach, and the 1919 team was later named national champion by the Billingsley Report and the National Championship Foundation.

January 2, 1922: Dixie Classic

On January 2, 1922, in Dallas, the tradition of the 12th Man began at the Dixie Classic (the forerunner of the Cotton Bowl Classic) when E. King Gill donned a uniform and stood ready to play, symbolizing Aggie support after many injuries to the team. The Aggies won against Centre College 22-14.

1922: Twelfth Man Tradition Begins

In the 1922 Dixie Classic, coach Dana X. Bible initiated the Twelfth Man Tradition, calling on E. King Gill to suit up due to player injuries.

1927: Kyle Field as a permanent concrete stadium

In 1927, Kyle Field was established as a permanent concrete stadium.

1928: Dana X. Bible Departs

After the 1928 season, Dana X. Bible left Texas A&M to become the head coach at Nebraska.

1934: Homer Norton Hired

In 1934, Homer Norton was hired to replace Matty Bell as head coach.

1936: School-sanctioned Bonfire

In 1936, the Bonfire became school-sanctioned, and students were provided with axes, saws, and trucks to gather wood.

1939: National Championship

In 1939, the Texas A&M team went 11-0, defeating Tulane in the Sugar Bowl, and was named national champion.

1945: Post WWII Decade

The 1950 team had the best record of any Texas A&M football team in the first decade after World War II (1945–1954).

December 1947: Harry Stiteler Promoted to Head Coach

In December 1947, Harry Stiteler was promoted from running backs coach to head coach for the Texas A&M football team.

1947: Homer Norton Fired

In 1947, Homer Norton was fired after a 3-6-1 season and a loss to the University of Texas.

1948: Stiteler's Character

In 1948 many players came to A&M because of Harry Stiteler and his character.

1949: Poor Season Record

For the 1949 season, the Aggies won only one game and had a record of 1-8-1 under coach Harry Stiteler.

December 1950: Stiteler Assault Incident

In December 1950, Harry Stiteler reported being attacked near the Shamrock Hotel in Houston, leading to a "MYSTERY SHROUDS STITELER BEATING" headline.

March 1951: Stiteler Resigns

In March 1951, Harry Stiteler admitted to misrepresenting facts about the assault and resigned, citing a personal matter.

1951: Raymond George Hired

In 1951, Raymond George was hired as the 17th head coach of the Texas A&M Aggies after the Stiteler scandal.

1952: NCAA Penalties

In 1994, as a result of NCAA findings of major violations of NCAA rules in this case, Texas A&M became one of three universities to receive as many as seven public penalties since 1952.

1953: George Resigns

Raymond George resigned as the Aggies head coach following the 1953 season.

1954: Post WWII Decade

The 1950 team had the best record of any Texas A&M football team in the first decade after World War II (1945–1954).

1956: Probation

Between 1956 and 1977, the university was placed on probation three times and publicly reprimanded once for major violations of NCAA rules.

1957: Bear Bryant Leaves for Alabama

After the 1957 season, having compiled an overall 25-14-2 record at A&M, Bear Bryant left to coach at Alabama.

1964: Foldberg Hired

Hank Foldberg was hired as the Aggies head coach after Myers' departure in 1964.

1964: Gene Stallings Named Head Coach

In 1964, Gene Stallings, previously an assistant coach for Alabama, became the head coach of Texas A&M.

1967: Southwest Conference Championship & Cotton Bowl Victory

In 1967, Texas A&M won the Southwest Conference and defeated Alabama in the Cotton Bowl.

1967: Visible flames 25 miles away

In 1967, the flames from the Bonfire could be seen 25 miles (40 km) away.

1969: World Record Bonfire Stack

In 1969, the Bonfire stack set a world record at 111 feet (30 m) tall.

1971: Stallings Fired

Gene Stallings was fired as head coach at A&M following the 1971 season.

1972: Aggies Suffer Through Six-Game Losing Streak

2022 marked the first time the Aggies had lost six consecutive games since the 1972 season.

1972: Emory Bellard Hired

In 1972, Emory Bellard became the Aggies' head coach and brought the wishbone offense.

1974: Improved Season

In 1974, Texas A&M, with a pair of recruiting classes suited to run the wishbone formation, had an improved season, going 8-3.

1977: Probation

Between 1956 and 1977, the university was placed on probation three times and publicly reprimanded once for major violations of NCAA rules.

1978: Bellard Resigns

After starting the 1978 season 4-0, Emory Bellard resigned mid-season after two consecutive losses.

1978: Bonfire shifted to wedding-cake style

In 1978, Bonfire shifted to a wedding-cake style.

1981: Independence Bowl Victory and Wilson Fired

In 1981, the Aggies, under Tom Wilson, won the Independence Bowl, but Wilson was fired after the season due to overall mediocrity.

January 19, 1982: Jackie Sherrill Hired

On January 19, 1982, Jackie Sherrill was hired away from Pittsburgh by A&M, signing a record six-year contract over $1.7 million.

1985: Southwest Conference Championship

In 1985, Texas A&M won the Southwest Conference championship under Jackie Sherrill.

January 1, 1986: Cotton Bowl Classic Victory

On January 1, 1986, Texas A&M defeated Auburn 36-16 in the Cotton Bowl Classic.

January 1, 1987: Cotton Bowl Classic Loss

On January 1, 1987, Texas A&M lost to Ohio State 28-12 in the Cotton Bowl Classic.

January 1, 1988: Cotton Bowl Classic Victory

On January 1, 1988, Texas A&M defeated Notre Dame 35-10 in the Cotton Bowl Classic.

December 1988: Sherrill Resigns

In December 1988, Jackie Sherrill resigned as head coach of Texas A&M.

December 1988: R.C. Slocum Named Head Coach

In December 1988, R.C. Slocum was promoted from defensive coordinator and named head coach of the Aggies.

1989: Home Winning Streak Begins

Texas A&M lost in 1989 and did not lose again until late in 1995.

1991: Led Nation in Total Defense

In 1991, A&M's "Wrecking Crew" defense led the nation in total defense.

1992: National Championship

Gene Stallings would go on to become Alabama's head coach in the 1990s and solidify a Hall of Fame career there, winning a national championship in 1992.

1993: Wrecking Crew Defense

From 1991 through 1993, A&M's "Wrecking Crew" defense led the Southwest Conference in four statistical categories.

1994: NCAA Penalties

In 1994, as a result of NCAA findings of major violations of NCAA rules in this case, Texas A&M became one of three universities to receive as many as seven public penalties since 1952.

1995: The Aggies climbed all the way up to the 3rd spot in the AP Poll, their highest ranking since 1995.

Elko's second season started with a blazing 8–0 record in 2024, including a road 41–40 win over the 8th ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish (their road win against a ranked opponent first since 2014), and a 49–25 rout of the LSU Tigers in Death Valley, climbing all the way up to the 3rd spot in the AP Poll, their highest ranking since 1995.

1995: Home Winning Streak Ends

Texas A&M held the longest home-winning streak in the nation until losing late in 1995.

1996: Southwest Conference Renamed

In 1996, the Southwest Conference was renamed the Big 12.

1997: Big 12 South Championship

In 1997, Texas A&M won the Big 12 South Championship under coach R.C. Slocum.

1998: Big 12 Title and Big 12 South Championship

In 1998, Texas A&M won the Big 12 title and Big 12 South Championship under coach R.C. Slocum.

1998: Most wins for A&M since 1998

In the 2006 season, the Aggies rebounded, posting a 9–3 regular season record, the most wins for A&M since 1998, and included Franchione's first win over rival Texas. The Aggies, however, lost to California in the Holiday Bowl.

November 18, 1999: Aggie Bonfire Collapse

On November 18, 1999, at 2:42 am, the partially completed Aggie Bonfire collapsed during construction, resulting in 12 deaths and 27 injuries.

November 25, 1999: Vigil and Remembrance Ceremony

On November 25, 1999, the date that Bonfire would have burned, a vigil and remembrance ceremony was held with over 40,000 people including former President George H. W. Bush and his wife Barbara and then-Texas governor George W. Bush and his wife Laura in attendance.

1999: BACs higher than legal limit

In 1999, after the Aggie Bonfire collapsed it was revealed that a number of the students working on the collapsed bonfire in 1999 had BACs higher than the legal driving limit.

2002: Bonfire Postponed and Student Bonfire

In 2002, Bonfire was postponed indefinitely due to safety concerns, leading to the creation of a non-university sanctioned Student Bonfire that has burned annually since then.

2002: Slocum Resigns

In 2002, after 14 years as head coach and following a second non-winning season, Slocum was asked to resign from the Aggies. He then became a special advisor to Texas A&M president Robert Gates. Slocum also stated in 2002 that he valued his reputation more than winning by cheating.

2003: Dennis Franchione Hired

In 2003, Dennis Franchione replaced the ousted Slocum as head coach. Franchione brought the majority of his coaching staff from Alabama.

2003: Aggies suffer worst loss in history

The 2003 season marked the first losing season for the Aggies in 21 years, including a 77-0 loss to Oklahoma. This was the worst loss in A&M's history.

November 18, 2004: Bonfire Memorial Dedication

On November 18, 2004, the Bonfire Memorial was officially dedicated.

2004: Aggies improve record and advance to Cotton Bowl Classic

In the 2004 season, the team improved to a 7–5 record and advanced to the Cotton Bowl Classic, where they lost to Tennessee 38–7. Following the bowl game, Franchione's contract was extended through 2012 and his salary was raised to $2 million.

June 2005: Franchione Donates to Athletic Department

In June 2005, Franchione donated $1 million to the A&M athletic department. The donation went toward the construction of an indoor practice facility.

2005: Aggies regressed to a 5-6 record

In the 2005 season, the Aggies regressed to a 5–6 record, with the defense ranking 107th nationally. This prompted Franchione to dismiss defensive coordinator Carl Torbush and hire Gary Darnell.

2006: All-walk-on kickoff team

In the 2006 season, Coach Dennis Franchione kept an all-walk-on kickoff team that played three times during the season.

2006: Aggies post a 9-3 record

In the 2006 season, the Aggies rebounded, posting a 9–3 regular season record, the most wins for A&M since 1998, and included Franchione's first win over rival Texas. The Aggies, however, lost to California in the Holiday Bowl.

September 2007: Franchione's Coaching Abilities Questioned

In September 2007, after a loss to Miami, Franchione's coaching abilities were questioned, and news outlets reported he would not return for the 2008 season.

2008: News Outlets Report Franchione Would Not Return

In September 2007, after a loss to Miami, Franchione's coaching abilities were questioned, and news outlets reported he would not return for the 2008 season.

2010: Aggies Finish Strong and Sign Contract Extension

After two losing seasons, the Aggies started the 2010 season 3–3 but won their final six games, earning a share of the Big 12 South Division title. They lost to LSU in the Cotton Bowl. After the season, A&M signed Sherman a contract extension through the 2015 season, raising his salary to $2.2 million.

2010: Franchione's contract extended

In 2010, Dennis Franchione was under contract to be paid a yearly salary of $1.7 million.

November 12, 2011: Aggies Lose to Kansas State in Overtime

On November 12, 2011, Texas A&M lost 53–50 after 4 overtimes to Kansas State University, the most overtimes in program history until 2018.

November 19, 2011: Aggies Defeat Kansas and Become Bowl-Eligible

On November 19, 2011, the Aggies defeated Kansas 61–7 and became bowl-eligible for a third straight season.

November 24, 2011: Aggies Lose to Texas in Final Game of Rivalry for Foreseeable Future

On November 24, 2011, the Aggies lost at home to Texas by a score of 27–25 on a last-second field goal, in what would be the last game of the rivalry for the foreseeable future, as the Aggies were to join the SEC beginning in 2012.

December 1, 2011: Sherman Fired by Texas A&M

On December 1, 2011, Sherman was fired by Texas A&M. The Aggies compiled a record of 25–25 during Sherman's four-year tenure.

December 13, 2011: Kevin Sumlin Hired as Head Coach

On December 13, 2011, A&M hired Houston head coach Kevin Sumlin as the program's 28th head football coach. Sumlin was the first African American head coach in Texas A&M football history.

2012: Texas A&M played in the West Division of the SEC

From 2012 Texas A&M played in the West Division of the SEC and played each opponent in the division each year along with several teams from the East Division.

2012: Franchione's contract extension in 2004 lasts through 2012

In 2004, Franchione's contract was extended through 2012 and his salary was raised to $2 million.

2012: Sumlin Leads Aggies to Successful Season

In 2012, Sumlin led the Aggies to an 11–2 record, including victories over then-No. 1 Alabama, and No. 11 Oklahoma in the AT&T Cotton Bowl. Starting quarterback Johnny Manziel won the Heisman Trophy.

2012: Aggies to join SEC

On November 24, 2011, the Aggies lost at home to Texas in what would be the last game of the rivalry for the foreseeable future, as the Aggies were to join the SEC beginning in 2012.

November 30, 2013: Sumlin Signs Contract Extension

On November 30, 2013, A&M signed Sumlin to a six-year, $30 million contract extension.

2013: Jimbo Fisher led the Seminoles to the 2013 national championship.

On December 4, 2017, Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher was formally introduced as the Aggies head coach. Fisher arrived after leading the Seminoles to the 2013 national championship.

2013: The victory produced a combined 3–0 Orange Bowl record for Fisher following his previous successful outings with the Florida State Seminoles football team at the 2013 Orange Bowls.

On January 2, 2021, Texas A&M faced the #13 North Carolina Tar Heels football team at the 2021 Orange Bowl and won 41–27. The victory produced a combined 3–0 Orange Bowl record for Fisher following his previous successful outings with the Florida State Seminoles football team at the 2013 Orange Bowls.

2014: Elko's second season started with a blazing 8–0 record, including a road win against a ranked opponent for the first time since 2014

Elko's second season started with a blazing 8–0 record in 2024, including a road 41–40 win over the 8th ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish (their road win against a ranked opponent first since 2014).

2014: Aggies Finish Season 8-5

For the 2014 season, the Aggies finished the season 8–5 overall and 3–5 in SEC play. After the season, Sumlin dismissed his defensive coordinator, Mark Snyder, and replaced him with John Chavis.

2014: Revenue and Profit Figures from 2014-16

In August 2018, the program was recognized by Forbes as the most valuable in the country, based on average revenue and profit figures from the 2014–16 seasons.

2015: Contract Extension Through 2015

After the 2010 season, A&M signed Sherman a contract extension through the 2015 season, raising his salary to $2.2 million.

2015: A&M Finishes 8-5 Again

In 2015, A&M again finished 8–5, losing to Louisville in the Music City Bowl.

2015: Kyle Field seating capacity

In 2015, Kyle Field had a seating capacity of 102,733, making it the largest stadium in the Southeastern Conference, the fourth-largest in the NCAA and the fourth-largest in the United States.

2016: The victory produced a combined 3–0 Orange Bowl record for Fisher following his previous successful outings with the Florida State Seminoles football team at the 2016 Orange Bowls.

On January 2, 2021, Texas A&M faced the #13 North Carolina Tar Heels football team at the 2021 Orange Bowl and won 41–27. The victory produced a combined 3–0 Orange Bowl record for Fisher following his previous successful outings with the Florida State Seminoles football team at the 2016 Orange Bowls.

2016: Aggies Finish with Another 8-5 Mark

Sumlin led the Aggies to a third consecutive 8–5 mark in 2016. Texas A&M finished the 2016 season with a loss to Kansas State in the Texas Bowl.

November 26, 2017: Sumlin Fired as Head Coach

Sumlin was fired from the position on November 26, 2017, after his team finished 7–5. Sumlin finished 51–26 at A&M and with a 25–23 record in the SEC.

December 4, 2017: Jimbo Fisher Introduced as Head Coach

On December 4, 2017, Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher was formally introduced as the Aggies head coach. A&M signed Fisher to a 10-year contract worth a total base salary of $75 million.

August 2018: A&M Football Program Recognized as Most Valuable

In August 2018, the program was recognized by Forbes as the most valuable in the country, based on average revenue and profit figures from the 2014–16 seasons.

November 24, 2018: Aggies Defeat Louisiana State University in Program History

On November 24, 2018, Texas A&M won against Louisiana State University 74–72 after 7 overtimes, the most overtimes in program history.

2018: Aggies Achieve 9-4 Record and Historic Win Over LSU

In 2018, Fisher led the Aggies to a 9–4 record. The season included a notable seven-overtime victory over then-No. 7 LSU.

2018: Mike Elko served as Jimbo Fisher's defensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021.

On November 26, 2023, Duke head coach Mike Elko was officially named as the new Aggies head coach. Elko had prior ties to Texas A&M, serving as Jimbo Fisher's defensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021.

December 27, 2019: Texas A&M Defeats Oklahoma State in Texas Bowl

On December 27, 2019, Texas A&M defeated #25 Oklahoma State 24–21 at the "Academy Sports + Outdoors Bowl", later titled the Texas Bowl.

2020: NCAA Rules Violations

NCAA rules violations continued to 2020.

2020: Aggies Finish Season Ranked #5 Nationally

The Aggies improved substantially in 2020 despite the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, finishing the season with a 9–1 overall record and a #5 national ranking.

January 2, 2021: Aggies Win Orange Bowl

On January 2, 2021, Texas A&M faced the #13 North Carolina Tar Heels football team at the 2021 Orange Bowl and won 41–27.

January 2021: Fisher Receives New Contract

In January 2021, following the Orange Bowl victory, A&M gave Fisher a new ten-year contract worth $95 million fully guaranteed excluding incentives.

October 9, 2021: Aggies Upset #1 Alabama

On October 9, 2021, the Aggies had an upset 41–38 win over the #1 Alabama Crimson Tide football team.

November 6, 2021: Aggies Rout Auburn Tigers

On November 6, 2021, the Aggies had a 20–3 rout of the Auburn Tigers football team.

2021: Mike Elko served as Jimbo Fisher's defensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021.

On November 26, 2023, Duke head coach Mike Elko was officially named as the new Aggies head coach. Elko had prior ties to Texas A&M, serving as Jimbo Fisher's defensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021.

2022: Aggies Struggle and Finish with Losing Record

The Aggies entered 2022 with high expectations but lost six of their first nine games, finishing with a 5–7 record and missing a bowl game. Fisher gave up play-calling duties and hired Bobby Petrino as offensive coordinator in response to offensive struggles.

June 14, 2023: 2024 Conference Schedule Announced

On June 14, 2023, the 2024 conference schedule was announced, as the SEC prepared to expand to 16 teams and eliminate its two divisions in 2024.

November 12, 2023: Fisher Fired as Aggies Head Coach

Fisher was fired as Aggies head coach on November 12, 2023, after having a 6–4 record through 10 games in the 2023 season. His contract was bought out for $77.5 million, and defensive line coach Elijah Robinson was named interim head coach.

November 26, 2023: Mike Elko Named New Aggies Head Coach

On November 26, 2023, Duke head coach Mike Elko was officially named as the new Aggies head coach. Elko had prior ties to Texas A&M, serving as Jimbo Fisher's defensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021.

March 20, 2024: 2025 Conference Schedule Announced

On March 20, 2024, the 2025 conference schedule was announced, in which teams will play the same opponents in 2025 that they played in 2024, with sites changed for equal home and away competition over the course of the two seasons.

2024: Aggies Face USC in Las Vegas Bowl after Elko's Inaugural Season

Elko wrapped up his inaugural season at Texas A&M in 2024 with a 5-3 SEC record and 8-5 overall standing, facing USC in the Las Vegas Bowl, which the Aggies ultimately lost 31-35.

November 6, 2025: Announced schedules

On November 6, 2025, the Aggies schedules were announced.

2025: Teams will play the same opponents in 2025

In 2025, teams will play the same opponents that they played in 2024, with sites changed for equal home and away competition over the course of the two seasons.