In a significant shift within college football, Bronco Mendenhall is poised to become the new head coach of Utah State, according to insider reports. This move comes after Mendenhall’s recent tenure with New Mexico, where he aimed to rejuvenate the Lobos’ football program.
Mendenhall took charge of the New Mexico Lobos for the 2023 season, finishing with a 5-7 overall record and a Mountain West conference record of 3-4, mirroring that of Utah State’s season performance. His efforts included a notable win over then-ranked No. 18 Washington State, which injected life into the Lobos’ season, albeit falling short of a bowl game following a loss to Hawaii.
Having extensive experience in Utah, Mendenhall previously led BYU from 2005 to 2015. During his tenure, BYU achieved remarkable success, securing 11 consecutive bowl appearances and recording five seasons with ten or more wins, establishing him as a respected figure in collegiate coaching circles.
After his impactful period at BYU, Mendenhall shifted to Virginia, where he further demonstrated his coaching prowess. He transformed the team into a competitive force in the ACC, culminating in a 9-5 record and an Orange Bowl appearance in 2019. This marked a high point in his career before stepping down post-2021 season for a hiatus.
Mendenhall’s return to coaching with New Mexico marked an attempt to revive a struggling program that hadn’t seen significant success since 2016. Although his efforts yielded modest improvements, the prospect of joining Utah State presents a new chapter, anticipated to bring renewed energy and strategy to the Aggies as they prepare for their future transition to the Pac-12 in 2026.
The Utah State Aggies found themselves in need of new leadership after a challenging 4-8 season under interim coach Nate Dreiling. The upcoming changes are expected to align with the program’s long-term objectives as it positions itself for the competitive landscape of the Pac-12.
As Bronco Mendenhall prepares to take on his new role at Utah State, the football community watches closely how his seasoned approach will influence the Aggies’ journey. With a career marked by strategic successes and program turnarounds, Mendenhall’s next steps are anticipated with great interest.
Source: ESPN
