Mendenhall inks 5-year deal as New Mexico’s coach

By Jerry Ratcliffe

Bronco Mendenhall returned to college football on Thursday when he was introduced as the new head coach at New Mexico, signing a guaranteed five-year deal worth $1.2 million annually.

The 57-year-old coach is back in the game two years after stunningly stepping down at Virginia, where he coached the Cavaliers for six years, the last four of which UVA was bowl-eligible.

“The University of New Mexico has a special place in my heart … otherwise I would not be here,” Mendenhall said with emotion. “This program, I know, is capable of sustained success, continued success and excellence. I’ve been part of it. I’ve seen it.”

Prior to turning around both BYU’s and UVA’s football programs, Mendenhall served as New Mexico’s defensive coordinator and coached defensive backs under Rocky Long. Mendenhall referenced the Lobos’ success during that rebuild.

“It was three (wins in 1998) and then we worked as hard as we possibly could and we won four,” he told the crowd. “Then we worked as hard as we possibly could, and we won five. And then we laid exhausted winning six. When we didn’t think there was any more, we won seven. And then, as I transitioned out, we won eight.”

Mendenhall said he hoped he could accelerate the success of the Lobos this time around, which is a challenge considering that New Mexico hasn’t enjoyed a winning season since 2016.

“That’s what it took before,” Mendenhall said. “I’m anxious to make that a shorter, but effective window of Lobo football.”

Mendenhall indicated he would not retain any staff members from previous New Mexico coach Danny Gonzales’ program.