After losing offensive coordinator Collin Klein to Kansas State, No. 7 Texas A&M football is saying goodbye to its defensive coordinator Jay Bateman. First reported by On3’s Pete Nakos, Bateman is expected to be named Kentucky’s defensive coordinator as part of the Wildcats’ new coaching staff under new head coach, former Oregon OC Will Stein. 

Both Klein and Bateman are expected to remain in their positions for the entirety of the Aggies’ postseason run in their inaugural College Football Playoff campaign. Bateman spent the past two seasons in Aggieland, however, he did take a step back in his role with the Aggies’ defense in 2025, as playcalling duties were handed to coach Mike Elko. 

It has been indicated from several sources that associate head coach Lyle Hemphill will be appointed the next defensive coordinator for the Aggies after Bateman officially departs from the program. Hemphill joined the A&M coaching staff in June after serving as the defensive coordinator for James Madison in 2024. He also previously served as a safety coach and co-defensive coordinator with Elko’s Duke Blue Devils. In fact, Hemphill’s connection to Elko goes back to 2006 with Hofstra.

The Aggies’ defense is 19th in total defense, 41st in points allowed but also leads the country in sacks with 41 quarterback takedowns ahead of their matchup with No. 10 Miami in the first round of the CFP at Kyle Field on Saturday, Dec. 20.