Bronco Mendenhall signs a six-year, five-year contract to coach the football team of New Mexico.
NEW NM’S ALBUQUERQUE (AP) — Bronco Mendenhall became the highest-paid coach in programme history when he took over the New Mexico football team, agreeing to a five-year contract worth at least $6 million.
On Thursday, the institution made the agreement’s specifics public. A base pay of $1.2 million is paid annually, and there are other incentives based on the team’s success both on and off the pitch as well as ticket sales.
At a press conference, Mendenhall expressed his affection for New Mexico and his belief that the squad can return to success. He discussed his early career at New Mexico, where he was the defensive coordinator for the Lobos from 1998 to 2001.
“I am aware that this programme has the potential to achieve greatness, continuous success, and longevity. I’m eager to relive that because I’ve witnessed it and been a part of it,” he remarked.
Before retiring from coaching after the 2021 year, the 57-year-old Mendenhall was 135-81 throughout 17 seasons at BYU and Virginia. He also had a 7-7 record in bowl games. After relocating to Montana with his wife Holly, he went fishing and went horseback riding until he made the decision to play collegiate football again.
Mendenhall takes over for Danny Gonzales, who was let go in November following a 4–8 campaign at his former school. Gonzales spent four seasons with the Lobos, who haven’t had a winning campaign since 2016. His record there was 11-32.
Eddie Nuñez, the athletic director, stated in a statement that Mendenhall has twice turned around failing programmes and won championships, and that New Mexico was searching for someone with a clear vision of what the programme could become.
Mendenhall led Virginia to three bowl games, including the Orange Bowl in 2019, while all 11 of his BYU teams attended bowl games. In 2006, he was named the Mountain West Coach of the Year.
