Texas A&M Terminates Offensive Line Coach Adam Cushing’s Contract Amid Program Overhaul
College Station, TX — June 13, 2025
In a significant move signaling a broader restructuring within Texas A&M’s football program, the university announced on Thursday that it has terminated the contract of offensive line coach Adam Cushing, effective immediately. The decision comes amid rising pressure on the Aggies’ staff to revamp their performance following a disappointing 2024 season that failed to meet the high expectations of boosters, fans, and university leadership.
Background and Tenure
Adam Cushing joined Texas A&M’s coaching staff in January 2023, hired by then-head coach Jimbo Fisher as part of a strategic effort to revitalize the Aggies’ offensive line — a unit that had struggled with consistency and injury issues in previous years. Cushing arrived with extensive experience, having previously served as head coach at Eastern Illinois and, prior to that, as offensive line coach at Northwestern, where he built a reputation for developing technically sound and disciplined linemen.
During his two-season stint with the Aggies, Cushing oversaw a line that showed occasional flashes of potential but ultimately struggled with pass protection, penalties, and short-yardage run blocking. Texas A&M ranked 86th nationally in sacks allowed in 2024 and failed to establish a consistent ground game, contributing to an offense that finished 10th in the SEC in total yards per game.
Sources close to the athletic department cite “a lack of development and underwhelming performance” as key reasons behind the decision to part ways with Cushing.
Statement from the University
Texas A&M Athletic Director Trev Alberts released a statement Thursday morning:
“We are grateful to Coach Adam Cushing for his commitment to our student-athletes and his contributions to our football program. However, after a thorough evaluation, we believe that a change in leadership within our offensive line unit is necessary to achieve the level of performance we demand. We wish Coach Cushing and his family the very best in their future endeavors.”
As of Thursday afternoon, Cushing had not released a personal statement regarding his departure.
The Timing of the Termination
The move comes just weeks before summer workouts begin and ahead of the critical preseason training camp. This timing is seen as a calculated effort to allow a new hire to install schemes, evaluate the roster, and begin developing chemistry with players before the 2025 campaign begins.
College football insiders note that this decision likely forms part of a broader recalibration under new head coach Mike Elko, who returned to College Station after two years as head coach at Duke. Elko has been aggressive in reshaping the coaching staff and pushing for a culture shift focused on accountability, physicality, and player development.
Performance Metrics and Player Development Concerns
Despite entering 2024 with multiple highly rated recruits on the offensive line, including several four- and five-star prospects from the 2022 and 2023 recruiting classes, the unit failed to meet expectations. Analysts often pointed to inconsistent technique, poor communication on blitz pickups, and a lack of physical dominance in the trenches — all areas that typically fall within the offensive line coach’s purview.
Some players reportedly struggled to adapt to Cushing’s coaching style and terminology, and development stalled for key linemen who had been projected as potential NFL Draft picks.
“The offensive line was supposed to be a strength, not a liability,” said SEC Network analyst Cole Cubelic. “They’ve got the talent in that room, but something wasn’t translating on Saturdays. That’s ultimately on the position coach.”
Reaction from the Fan Base and Alumni
The reaction to Cushing’s dismissal was swift across social media and message boards, with many fans applauding the move as long overdue. Former players and alumni boosters have voiced increasing frustration with the trajectory of the program in recent seasons, particularly given the immense investment Texas A&M has made in facilities, NIL collectives, and recruiting.
“There’s no excuse for mediocrity,” tweeted former A&M offensive tackle Luke Joeckel, a 2013 NFL first-round pick. “If you can’t get it done at the line of scrimmage, you won’t win in the SEC. Period.”
What’s Next for Texas A&M?
With Cushing’s departure, attention now turns to potential replacements. Sources close to the program indicate that Elko and Alberts are targeting a veteran offensive line coach with Power Five experience and a track record of development and physicality — possibly someone with previous SEC ties.
Names being floated include:
- Eric Mateos (Baylor) – Known for his innovative zone-blocking schemes.
- Brad Davis (formerly LSU) – A strong recruiter and technician.
- Matt Luke (former Ole Miss head coach and Georgia OL coach) – Currently out of coaching but highly respected.
The hire will be critical not only for on-field performance but also in retaining key offensive line recruits and transfers who may be unsettled by the coaching turnover.
Implications for Recruiting and Player Retention
The termination adds further complexity to Texas A&M’s already fluid offseason. The Aggies have several high-profile offensive line commits for the 2025 class, and with the NCAA transfer portal still active through summer, retaining top talent will require strong messaging and swift action from Elko’s staff.
“Recruits need to know who’s going to coach them and how that coach is going to make them better,” said national recruiting analyst Steve Wiltfong. “Texas A&M has momentum with some big names, but this coaching change will need to be managed carefully.”
Final Thoughts
Adam Cushing’s termination underscores the high stakes and low tolerance for underperformance in today’s SEC landscape. With elite talent, facilities, and a fan base hungry for championships, Texas A&M’s football program continues to be under the microscope.
For Mike Elko, this is a defining moment early in his second tenure at College Station — a chance to send a message about standards and expectations as the Aggies aim to reassert themselves as a national contender.
As for Adam Cushing, his next step remains unclear, though his reputation as a solid recruiter and offensive mind may eventually land him another position, possibly at the Group of Five level or in an analyst role within a Power Five program.
Let me know if you want a version in a different tone (more casual, blog-style, etc.) or focused on a specific angle like recruiting or coaching carousel implications.
