Bronco Mendenhall leaves New Mexico to coach Utah State

Field Level Media|published: Fri 6th December, 11:17 2024

Sep 14, 2024; Auburn, Alabama, USA; New Mexico Lobos head coach Bronco Mendenhall during the first quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images

Bronco Mendenhall left one Mountain West school for another on Friday, departing New Mexico to become the head coach at Utah State.

Mendenhall, 58, guided the Lobos to a 5-7 record (3-4 Mountain West) in his first season, their best record since a 9-4 campaign in 2016.

Mendenhall, a Utah native and the former head coach at BYU (2005-15), landed a six-year deal with the Aggies.

"My passion is developing young people and transforming football programs to reach their full potential," he said in a statement. "Utah State provides a great opportunity to do both and allows a family focus that is essential to me and Holly. We look forward to adding to Utah State's rich tradition and striving for football excellence."

Mendenhall went 99-43 at BYU while leading the Cougars to 11 consecutive bowl games and five seasons with 10 or more wins. He was less successful at Virginia, compiling a 36-38 record from 2016-21 with three bowl berths.

Utah State finished 4-8 this season (3-4 Mountain West) while playing for interim coach Nate Dreiling. The previous head coach, Blake Anderson, was fired over the summer amid a school investigation into whether he failed to report alleged misconduct by members of his team. He also reportedly contacted an accuser and a witness following a domestic violence arrest of a player.

The Aggies reached a bowl game in all three of their seasons under Anderson before finishing below .500 this year. Utah State will not be in a bowl game this year for just the third time in the past 14 seasons.

Mendenhall's overall record is 140-88, including 7-7 in bowl games.

"Bronco is one of the most experienced coaches in college football. His leadership, proven track record, and deep understanding of the game make him the ideal choice to elevate our program," Utah State athletic director Diana Sabau said in a statement. "Bronco's success goes far beyond football. He has a deep connection and care for growing young men. His student-athletes are proven leaders. He has consistently built programs that emphasize character, discipline, and excellence in every aspect of their lives."

The Aggies are leaving the Mountain West for the new-look Pac-12 Conference starting with the 2026 season.

When he took the New Mexico job last December, Mendenhall reportedly accepted a five-year deal.

--Field Level Media