The week of ACC Kickoff started with some early news for Duke’s football team.

Coach Mike Elko has had his contract restructured and extended, the program announced Monday afternoon.

Elko’s contract now runs through the 2029 season and includes an enhanced, escalating model for the assistant coach and support staff salary pools, per news release.

“Over the last 18 months, Coach Elko has cultivated and executed a plan to push Duke Football forward with tremendous attention to detail, energy and a persistent commitment to excellence," athletics director Nina King said through the news release. "His passionate dedication to the Duke experience sets the standard, and we are fortunate to have him and the entire staff developing the young men in our program into elite student-athletes and future community leaders.”

Elko took over for coach David Cutcliffe in Dec. 2021 and directed the Blue Devils to a 9-4 record and Military Bowl win over UCF last season. The nine-win season marked a shocking turnaround, considering Duke was 5-18 in the previous two seasons combined.

"Sincere thanks to Dr. (Vincent) Price and Nina (King) for their commitment not only to me but also the football staff and entire program we have here at Duke," Elko said through the news release. "This will enable us to continue to build elite opportunities for our young men to develop and succeed at one of the most prestigious universities in the country.

“We came here with a mission to create a program that could become the absolute Best of Both Worlds, and this is another step in that direction. The future of Duke Football is extremely bright."

Success in Elko’s first season resulted in him winning ACC coach of the year. Last year’s bowl berth was the program’s first since 2018; the nine wins were the most since 2014, when the Blue Devils were also 9-4.

Moving forward, Duke’s upcoming season is an intriguing one; the Blue Devils return the bulk of their starters and production from last season, but the ACC’s move to a division-less structure means an increased difficulty in Duke’s schedule this season.

ACC Kickoff begins Tuesday morning in Charlotte; Duke’s turn for a press conference and interviews will be Wednesday.