DeaconsIllustrated.com reported on Monday night that Wake Forest Defensive Coordinator Mike Elko was nearing a deal become Notre Dame's DC, per a very well placed source.

Reports all over the internet are out on Thursday evening as Elko has reached his deal with the Notre Dame.

Elko, a 39-year-old New Jersey, native, interviewed for the Notre Dame job this week, Football Scoop reported. He lands with the Irish after reportedly getting interest from several other major programs, including Florida and Oregon.

Elko’s hire ends a coordinator search that ultimately began when head coach Brian Kelly fired Brian VanGorder after the team’s embarrassing Week 4 loss to Duke. The Irish promoted defensive analyst Greg Hudson to DC for the remainder of the season, but the move was never considered permanent.

VanGorder, a longtime friend and coaching colleague of Kelly’s, ran an NFL-style defense that was often criticized for its complexity. While VanGorder’s defense occasionally played well, the Irish were 103rd nationally in total defense, 101st in scoring defense, 98th in yards allowed per play, 88th in turnovers gained, 96th in rushing defense, 111th in pass efficiency defense and 114th in tackles for loss per game when he was dismissed.

Ultimately, Notre Dame finished 45th in total defense (378.8) and 60th in scoring defense (27.8) during the team’s 4-8 finish.

Elko’s name was rumored for the opening almost immediately after VanGorder was let go. His defenses at Wake Forest — even with significantly less talent — drew national attention.

In Elko, Notre Dame gets a defensive coordinator that has risen in the profession while working under current Wake Forest head coach Dave Clawson. In his third year as the Demon Deacons’ DC in 2016, the Atlantic Coast Conference program finished tied for 20th nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 21.8 points per game. Wake Forest also finished tied for 39th in total defense, allowing 370.1 yards per game. Wake Forest allowed just nine and 17 points, respectively, in games against Syracuse and Florida State this season.

Elko’s defense held the high-powered Syracuse offense to 168 passing yards and 326 total offense yards, earning him National Defensive Coordinator of the Week honors by Coachingsearch.com.

At Wake Forest, Elko installed his aggressive, odd-front multiple defense. The scheme takes advantage of hybrid players that can rush the passer and drop into coverage. The two linebacker spots are designated “BUCK” and “MIKE," and there is also a rover. At Wake Forest, Elko coached the defense during games from the booth.

Elko, a 1999 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, played linebacker for the Quakers. His position coach was Todd Orlando, the current defensive coordinator at the University of Houston.

Notre Dame did not qualify for a bowl game in 2016 for the first time since 2007. The defense is expected to return seven starters in 2017, including rising senior Nyles Morgan, who led the team in tackles (94) and sacks (four) this past season.

The Irish played Elko and Wake Forest in 2015 at Notre Dame Stadium. Wake Forest was the only team to hold Notre Dame to less than 400 yards in total offense (282) in a 28-7 Irish victory.

Before arriving at Wake Forest in 2014, Elko was the defensive coordinator under Clawson at Bowling Green for five seasons (2009-13). In his last two seasons at Bowling Green, Elko’s defenses led the Mid-American Conference in scoring defense, total defense, rushing defense and passing defense. His 2012 defense was particularly impressive, finishing the season ranked sixth nationally in total defense (296.6) and 10th in scoring (16.7). The Falcons also ranked 11th in sacks (38).