New Mexico has hired former Virginia and BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall as its new head football coach, ending his two-year hiatus from coaching. Mendenhall, a proven winner and leader of men, is expected to turn around a struggling Lobos program. He has a successful track record, including leading BYU to 11 straight bowl appearances and taking Virginia to three bowl games. Mendenhall's hiring is part of a larger makeover in the Mountain West Conference, with five head coaching jobs changing hands.

Why It Matters

Mendenhall's hiring is significant because it brings an experienced and successful coach to New Mexico, providing hope for a program that has struggled in recent years. Additionally, his hiring is part of a larger trend in the Mountain West Conference, as several coaching changes are taking place, indicating a desire for improvement and fresh perspectives.

By the Numbers
  • Mendenhall has a record of 135-81 in 17 seasons as a head coach.
  • He led BYU to 11 straight bowl appearances from 2005-2015.
  • Mendenhall took Virginia to three bowl games during his tenure, after a 2-10 start.
The Big Picture

Mendenhall's hiring highlights the importance of experienced leadership in college football and the impact a successful coach can have on a struggling program. It also reflects the ongoing competition among conferences to attract top coaching talent to improve overall performance.

State of Play
  • Mendenhall's hiring is part of a larger trend in the Mountain West Conference, with five head coaching jobs changing hands.
  • Other coaching changes in the conference include San Diego State hiring Sean Lewis, Boise State promoting Spencer Danielson, UTEP hiring Scotty Walden, and Nevada hiring Jeff Choate.
  • The Mountain West Conference had no teams ranked in the AP Top 25 or College Football Playoff Rankings at the end of the regular season, indicating a need for improvement.
Bottom Line

Bronco Mendenhall's hiring as the new head football coach at New Mexico brings hope and potential for improvement to a struggling program. His successful track record and leadership qualities make him a strong addition to the Lobos. Additionally, his hiring is part of a larger trend in the Mountain West Conference, reflecting a desire for change and improvement among conference teams.