Texas A&M is expected to hire David “Pop” Cooney in a recruiting role, per 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz, bringing a veteran recruiter to the Aggies.
The Texas A&M Aggies are set to make a significant strategic move in their football program with the expected hiring of David “Pop” Cooney in a dedicated recruiting role. This development, initially reported by 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz, underscores head coach Mike Elko’s unwavering commitment to fortifying the Aggies’ recruiting infrastructure and ensuring a pipeline of top-tier talent flows into College Station.
Cooney’s arrival brings an impressive pedigree and a wealth of experience cultivated over years within the demanding landscape of collegiate football. Most recently, he spent eight seasons with the Miami Hurricanes, a tenure that saw him ascend through various critical positions. His time in Coral Gables included three impactful years as the director of recruiting, a period during which he demonstrated his prowess in identifying, evaluating, and attracting elite prospects. His efforts culminated in the assembly of a nationally recognized No. 13 recruiting class in 2022 for the Hurricanes, a testament to his organizational skills and ability to connect with young athletes and their families.
Beyond his directorial duties, Cooney also served his final two seasons at Miami as an assistant wide receivers coach. This on-field coaching experience provides him with a valuable dual perspective: not only does he understand the intricate process of recruiting, but he also possesses a direct appreciation for the skillsets and developmental needs of players at a key offensive position. This blend of off-field strategy and on-field coaching insight makes him a particularly well-rounded asset for any program.
Prior to his successful stint at the collegiate level, Cooney carved out a distinguished career as a high school football coach in Florida. This background is pivotal to understanding the breadth and depth of his network. Florida, a perennial hotbed of high school football talent, demands recruiters with established relationships and a nuanced understanding of the local landscape. Cooney’s years fostering these connections have provided him with an invaluable rolodex of coaches, mentors, and community figures across the state. These deep roots are anticipated to be a considerable advantage for Texas A&M as they seek to broaden their recruiting footprint beyond their traditional strongholds and actively compete for the top prospects emerging from the Sunshine State.
While the precise title Cooney will hold at Texas A&M has not yet been officially disclosed, the broadly defined “recruiting role” suggests a multifaceted set of responsibilities. Given his recent experience as an assistant wide receivers coach, it’s plausible that he will contribute significantly to the evaluation and attraction of offensive skill position players, offering insights into their technical abilities and potential for growth within the Aggies’ offensive scheme. However, his primary impact is expected to be on the overarching recruiting strategy, helping to streamline processes, enhance communication with recruits, and project the Texas A&M brand effectively to prospective student-athletes.
Cooney’s hiring is not an isolated event but rather a calculated component of a broader strategic initiative spearheaded by Coach Elko. Since taking the reins, Elko has demonstrated a clear vision for building a comprehensive and highly effective off-the-field support staff. This vision recognizes that success in modern college football extends far beyond the Xs and Os on the field; it necessitates a robust infrastructure dedicated to player personnel, recruiting logistics, player development, and academic support.
Cooney joins a growing cohort of key hires designed to bolster this infrastructure. Lyle Hemphill and DJ Mann are other notable additions who reflect Elko’s commitment to assembling a top-tier team behind the scenes. Mann, specifically, comes from Ole Miss with experience as the associate director of player personnel, bringing additional expertise in talent evaluation and player management. These strategic appointments collectively underscore Elko’s dedication to constructing a formidable support system that can provide every advantage to the on-field coaching staff, particularly in the relentlessly competitive arena of college football recruiting.
Texas A&M already possesses a strong foundation in recruiting. Their current 2025 recruiting class is impressively ranked No. 7 nationally, and their 2026 class holds a promising No. 6 spot, according to On3’s Industry Rankings. These rankings are a testament to the existing talent within the program and the ongoing efforts of the coaching staff. The integration of a proven and highly effective recruiter like Cooney is expected to amplify these efforts significantly. His experience in a major Power Five program like Miami, coupled with his established network in crucial recruiting territories, will provide additional resources, deeper expertise, and a fresh perspective to the Aggies’ recruiting operations.
In an era where recruiting success often dictates a program’s trajectory, the addition of Cooney represents a shrewd investment by Texas A&M. He brings not only a track record of securing commitments from top prospects but also a comprehensive understanding of the evolving dynamics of college football recruiting, including the nuances of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and the transfer portal. His ability to navigate these complexities and build genuine relationships with recruits and their families will be invaluable as the Aggies strive to consistently attract and retain the elite talent necessary to compete for championships in the SEC and on the national stage. His hiring signifies a proactive and strategic step towards solidifying Texas A&M’s position as a perennial recruiting powerhouse.
