Bronco Mendenhall has made headlines by taking the reins as the head coach of the New Mexico Lobos football team.
Joining the Lobo Family on December 6, 2023, Mendenhall became the 33rd head football coach at the University of New Mexico.
With his extensive experience and successful track record, his appointment adds a renewed sense of optimism to the struggling program.
Mendenhall’s career includes significant stints at both the University of Virginia and Brigham Young University (BYU), where he turned around struggling football programs.
Mendenhall’s leadership and strategic acumen will be essential as he leads the Lobos towards a brighter future.
Read more about Mendenhall’s journey from Virginia to New Mexico.
Lobo Nation has welcomed Mendenhall with open arms, eager to see the changes he will bring.
The seasoned coach has already announced his 2024 coaching and support staff, ensuring that the team is well-equipped for success.
His past success and commitment to excellence have made his net worth and coaching strategies a topic of great interest among college football fans and analysts alike.
Who Is Bronco Mendenhall?
Bronco Mendenhall is a well-known name in college football, known for his coaching stints at Brigham Young University and the University of Virginia.
Recently, he has taken on the role of head football coach at the University of New Mexico Lobos.
Where Did Bronco Mendenhall Grow Up?
Bronco Mendenhall was born on February 21, 1966. He was raised in Alpine, Utah.
Growing up in a family with a strong emphasis on hard work and discipline, he developed a passion for football early on.
His father, Paul Mendenhall, was also heavily involved in sports, which influenced Bronco’s path.
This upbringing laid the foundation for his future career in coaching.
Where Did Bronco Mendenhall Play College Football?
Mendenhall played college football at Snow College before transferring to Oregon State University.
At Snow College, he served as a linebacker and made a significant impact on the team.
Later, at Oregon State, he continued to showcase his skills.
His college football career helped him gain valuable experience and insights into the game, which would later influence his coaching philosophy.
Where Does Bronco Mendenhall Live?
As of 2024, Bronco Mendenhall resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
This move came after he accepted the position as head coach for the University of New Mexico Lobos on December 6, 2023.
Living in Albuquerque allows him to be closely involved with the UNM football program and be a part of the local community.
Who Is Bronco Mendenhall Married To?
Bronco Mendenhall is married to Holly Johnston Mendenhall.
The couple met in college and have been together since.
Holly is known for her strong support of Bronco’s career and her involvement in community activities.
The couple has three sons, and they often participate in various events related to football and community service.
Bronco Mendenhall Professional Career
Bronco Mendenhall has had an extensive career in college football coaching, marked by significant achievements and contributions across multiple universities. Below is an in-depth look at his professional journey, achievements, and current endeavors.
What Teams Has Bronco Mendenhall Previously Coached For?
Bronco Mendenhall started his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Oregon State.
He then held positions at various institutions including Northern Arizona, Louisiana Tech, and the University of New Mexico, where he worked as a defensive coordinator.
From 2003 to 2015, Mendenhall was with BYU, taking over as head football coach in 2005.
Under his leadership, BYU saw significant success, including ten bowl game appearances and five seasons ranked in the AP Poll.
He was particularly known for developing strong defenses and turning the Cougars into a formidable team in college football.
After BYU, Mendenhall became the head football coach at the University of Virginia in 2015.
He led the Cavaliers to several bowl games, including the Orange Bowl, and improved the program’s standings in the ACC.
His tenure at Virginia was marked by the development of a competitive team and numerous accolades, including winning seasons and notable victories against ranked opponents.
What Team Is Bronco Mendenhall Currently Coaching For?
As of December 2023, Bronco Mendenhall is the head football coach for the University of New Mexico Lobos.
He was hired to lead the team as the 33rd head football coach in the program’s history.
Mendenhall’s appointment is a significant move for the Lobos, who have struggled in recent seasons.
His arrival is seen as a turning point, with the goal of restoring the team to its former glory.
Mendenhall has already announced his 2024 coaching and support staff, featuring experienced personnel, including two Power 5 Coordinators, which underscores his commitment to building a competitive program.
Does Bronco Mendenhall Want To Coach In The NFL?
There is no public indication that Bronco Mendenhall has expressed an interest in coaching in the NFL.
His career has been deeply rooted in college football, where he has made significant impacts at various programs.
Mendenhall’s focus has consistently been on developing college athletes and building competitive football teams at the collegiate level.
His tenure at BYU and Virginia showcased his strengths in these areas, and his current role with the Lobos aligns with his passion for college football coaching and program development.
What Are Bronco Mendenhall Future Prospects?
The future for Bronco Mendenhall looks promising as he takes on the challenge of turning around the New Mexico Lobos.
His track record suggests the potential for significant improvement in the program’s performance.
Given his history of success at BYU and Virginia, it’s likely that Mendenhall will focus on creating a strong, competitive team that can compete in the Mountain West Conference.
His strategic approach and leadership will be crucial for the Lobos as they aim for bowl game appearances and a resurgence in college football prominence.
Bronco Mendenhall Major Achievements And Awards
Bronco Mendenhall’s career is marked by numerous awards and achievements.
At BYU, he led the team to ten bowl games, including victories in the Las Vegas Bowl and the Miami Beach Bowl.
Mendenhall also earned the Mountain West Coach of the Year award during his time there.
At the University of Virginia, Mendenhall guided the Cavaliers to the Orange Bowl, and they achieved multiple winning seasons and bowl game appearances.
His efforts in developing players have resulted in several earning All-America honors and significant accolades within college football.
Similar Coaches To Bronco Mendenhall
Some coaches similar to Bronco Mendenhall in terms of career trajectory and coaching style include:
- Gary Patterson: Known for his defensive prowess, Patterson transformed TCU’s football program into a competitive force, similar to Mendenhall’s impact at BYU and Virginia.
- Kyle Whittingham: As the head coach of the University of Utah, Whittingham has built a strong program known for its resilience and success in bowl games, paralleling Mendenhall’s career.
- Chris Petersen: Like Mendenhall, Petersen led Boise State to national prominence and later made significant strides with the Washington Huskies, showing a talent for turning around programs.
These coaches, along with Mendenhall, are known for their strategic acumen, strong leadership, and ability to transform struggling programs into winning teams.
How Does Bronco Mendenhall Do With NIL And Transfer Portal?
Bronco Mendenhall has had a significant impact on the New Mexico Lobos through his expertise with the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) money. Mendenhall has utilized these resources to strengthen his team and elevate the program.
Bronco Mendenhall And Transfer Portal
Bronco Mendenhall is known for his strategic use of the transfer portal.
He seeks to fill specific needs within the roster by bringing in experienced players from other programs.
This approach allows him to quickly improve the team without having to rely solely on freshmen recruits.
For instance, Mendenhall has been active in the transfer window, adding key players who can make an immediate impact.
He looks for athletes who fit his system and can contribute right away.
The involvement of Athletic Director Eddie Nuñez has been crucial, providing support and resources to make these transfers possible.
This strategy has been effective, as seen in other programs where Mendenhall has turned the tide, such as at BYU.
His ability to identify and bring in talent through the portal is a vital part of his coaching methodology.
Bronco Mendenhall And NIL Money
The introduction of NIL money has changed college football significantly.
Mendenhall has adapted to these changes by leveraging NIL opportunities to attract and retain top talent.
Players can now earn from their name, image, and likeness, which makes the New Mexico program more attractive.
Mendenhall’s approach has been to ensure that his players understand the value of their brand and how to benefit from NIL deals.
This not only helps in recruiting but also in maintaining the morale and financial well-being of his athletes.
According to CollegeNetWorth, NIL has dramatically altered the landscape, allowing programs to provide additional incentives.
With support from Eddie Nuñez and alignment with program goals, Mendenhall has implemented robust strategies involving NIL to bolster the team’s competitiveness.
How Much Is Bronco Mendenhall’s Contract For?
Bronco Mendenhall signed a five-year deal with New Mexico to become the head coach of their football team. The contract is valued at a minimum of $6 million and includes base salary and various incentives.
How Much Does Bronco Mendenhall Make In Salary Per Year?
Bronco Mendenhall’s contract includes an annual base salary of $1.2 million.
This makes him the highest-paid coach in the history of New Mexico’s football program.
His salary is significantly higher than his predecessor, Danny Gonzales.
This specific amount reflects the university’s confidence in Mendenhall’s ability to lead the team to success.
How Much Does Bronco Mendenhall Make In Incentives Per Year?
In addition to his base salary, Mendenhall’s contract includes numerous incentives.
These incentives are tied to performance milestones such as winning games, securing bowl appearances, and improving ticket sales.
Though precise details of each incentive aren’t disclosed, they are designed to reward Mendenhall for achieving specific goals.
His total earnings could, therefore, exceed the base salary, depending on the team’s performance and other factors.
What Is Bronco Mendenhall Net Worth?
Bronco Mendenhall’s net worth is estimated to be around $12 million. This estimate includes his earnings from various coaching positions, endorsements, and investments.
In 2024, Mendenhall signed a five-year, $6 million contract to become head coach of the New Mexico Lobos. He earns an annual salary of $800,000 more than his predecessor, Danny Gonzales.
Before joining New Mexico, Mendenhall had a significant coaching career at BYU and Virginia. His success at these institutions has contributed to his financial standing.
Here’s a brief breakdown of his career earnings:
| Team | Years | Record | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| BYU | 2005-2015 | 99-43 | ~$1.2 million |
| Virginia | 2016-2021 | 36-38 | ~$3.25 million |
| New Mexico | 2024-present | – | $1.2 million |
These figures highlight his steady rise in salary, reflecting his growing reputation in college football.
Mendenhall’s financial gains are underscored by his notable coaching achievements. He has a 135-81 record and a 7-7 mark in bowl games. His career decisions have shown his ability to lead and improve teams, making him a valuable asset in the college football landscape. More details can be found in the article by College Football Network on his salary and contract details.