Aggieland Aftershock: Adam Cushing’s Contract Terminated Amid Internal Crisis at Texas A&M
College Station, TX – May 7, 2025
In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves throughout the Texas A&M football community, offensive line coach and run game coordinator Adam Cushing has had his contract abruptly terminated by the university. This bombshell announcement, delivered via a terse statement from the athletic department late Tuesday morning, comes amid growing reports of internal turmoil within the program under second-year head coach Mike Elko.
The decision to part ways with Cushing, who joined the Aggies’ staff ahead of the 2024 season, is reportedly tied to a broader, ongoing internal crisis that has been simmering beneath the surface for weeks — if not months. While the official release from Texas A&M cited “philosophical differences” and “a divergence in football operations strategy” as the rationale, multiple sources within the program describe a more fractured and tumultuous situation involving player dissatisfaction, staff communication breakdowns, and disputes over offensive schemes and line development.
A Crumbling Foundation in the Trenches
Adam Cushing was recruited to College Station in late 2023 by Mike Elko following his stint as offensive line coach at Duke. Lauded for his technical acumen and developmental approach, Cushing was expected to solidify the Aggies’ offensive line — long considered the program’s Achilles’ heel. However, the results during the 2024 season failed to meet expectations.
Despite returning a relatively experienced front five, the Aggies’ offensive line struggled with consistency, pass protection, and cohesion. Quarterbacks were frequently under duress, the run game sputtered in key SEC matchups, and penalties along the line reached a three-year high. Sources close to the team cited a lack of buy-in from key linemen and mounting frustration in the locker room as Cushing’s techniques and game plans clashed with the physical style preferred by several players recruited under Jimbo Fisher’s tenure.
“It just never clicked,” one offensive player told The Eagle on condition of anonymity. “There was confusion about blocking schemes, and guys didn’t feel empowered to speak up. The O-line room wasn’t united.”
Player Complaints and Staff Discontent
Matters reached a boiling point in the final weeks of spring practice, where internal reports surfaced that several players, including two projected starting linemen, had raised concerns with Director of Athletics Trev Alberts and Head Coach Elko about Cushing’s leadership style. The complaints reportedly centered on rigid coaching methods, a lack of adaptation to individual player strengths, and inconsistent communication between the offensive line and the broader offensive staff.
Cushing’s relationship with Offensive Coordinator Collin Klein had also reportedly deteriorated over the spring, particularly regarding run-game philosophy and tempo. One source close to the team said Klein and Cushing had multiple heated exchanges over play-calling dynamics and Cushing’s resistance to adjustments when faced with in-game challenges.
“There was a major disconnect,” a former staff assistant said. “You had a coordinator trying to move in one direction and a line coach anchoring down in another.”
The internal fissures became impossible to ignore following a closed-door meeting last week between Elko, Alberts, and senior staff, after which Cushing was informed that his contract would be terminated “for cause tied to programmatic misalignment.”
The University’s Statement
Texas A&M issued a brief statement following the decision:
> “After careful consideration and review of the current direction of our football program, Texas A&M Athletics has chosen to terminate the employment contract of offensive line coach Adam Cushing effective immediately. We thank Coach Cushing for his service and commitment during his time in Aggieland and wish him the best in his future endeavors. The program remains committed to achieving excellence both on and off the field.”
No further explanation was provided, and Cushing himself has not released a public comment as of publication.
Fallout and Next Steps
The timing of Cushing’s departure — just weeks before the Aggies’ summer training camp begins — creates a significant void in the program’s infrastructure. Offensive line coach is one of the most vital roles on any staff, and given the Aggies’ subpar performance up front in 2024, the urgency to find a capable replacement is immense.
As of Tuesday evening, Elko and the staff are reportedly evaluating potential candidates with ties to both the SEC and Big Ten, including former Georgia assistant Matt Luke, ex-Wisconsin line coach Joe Rudolph, and current Florida State analyst Alex Atkins.
Internally, assistant offensive line coach Steve Addazio Jr. is expected to oversee day-to-day responsibilities on an interim basis, though no official appointment has been made.
A Program Under Scrutiny
Cushing’s termination adds another layer to what has already been a tense offseason in College Station. While Mike Elko earned some goodwill with an 8-5 debut campaign, including a bowl win over North Carolina, murmurs of unrest have grown louder. The Aggies have seen several key players enter the transfer portal this spring, including projected starting guard Daniel Cruz and former five-star tackle Chase Bisontis, both of whom reportedly cited uncertainty about the offensive direction as a reason for their departure.
There are also whispers that the offensive staff as a whole is being evaluated closely by Elko and new Athletic Director Trev Alberts, who took over in early 2024 with a mandate to tighten internal operations and restore competitiveness across all sports.
“It’s not just about wins and losses,” said a source within the athletic department. “It’s about accountability, cohesion, and culture. When one piece breaks down, it puts pressure on the whole machine.”
Reactions and Reflections
Reactions to the news have been mixed among fans and former players. Some view the move as a necessary step toward revitalizing a stagnant offense, while others see it as a sign of deeper dysfunction.
“I hate to see coaching turnover, but this felt inevitable,” tweeted former Aggie lineman Jared Hocker. “If the foundation isn’t strong, you have to rebuild it.”
On fan forums and social media, the sentiment has leaned toward cautious optimism that the move will lead to improved performance in the trenches — but with some concern about what the upheaval says about the program’s internal dynamics.
What Lies Ahead
The Aggies will need to act swiftly, both to stabilize their coaching staff and to reassure players and recruits that the program remains unified. With SEC Media Days on the horizon and the season opener against Notre Dame looming in late August, the spotlight will be firmly on Mike Elko to show that he has control of the locker room and a vision for success.
As for Adam Cushing, his next steps remain unclear. A veteran of multiple Power Five programs, his resume remains strong, but the cloud surrounding his abrupt departure from Texas A&M could complicate future opportunities — at least in the short term.
One thing is certain: in the high-stakes world of SEC football, misalignment is a luxury no program can afford. For Texas A&M, the decision to part ways with Cushing is a gamble that may define the next chapter of the Elko era — one way or another.
