Utah State has hired former BYU, Virginia and New Mexico head coach Bronco Mendenhall to take over its football program.
“My passion is developing young people and transforming football programs to reach their full potential,” Mendenhall said in a news release Friday morning. “Utah State provides a great opportunity to do both and allows a family focus that is essential to me and Holly (his wife). We look forward to adding to Utah State’s rich tradition and striving for football excellence.”
Mendenhall has signed a six-year deal, USU said.
The coach takes over a program that was upended ahead of this season.
Utah State fired then-head coach Blake Anderson in July for alleged Title IX violations regarding his handling of a domestic violence case involving one of his players. Anderson has a pending lawsuit against the university for wrongful termination.
Interim head coach Nate Dreiling led the Aggies to a 4-8 record.
“Bronco is one of the most experienced coaches in college football. His leadership, proven record, and deep understanding of the game make him the ideal choice to elevate our program,” USU athletics director Diana Sabau said in a news release. “Bronco’s success goes far beyond football. He has a profound connection and care for developing young men. His student-athletes are proven leaders, and he has consistently built programs that emphasize character, discipline, and excellence in every aspect of their lives.”
Mendenhall spent 11 years coaching at BYU before making stops at Virginia and New Mexico. Mendenhall has a 140-88 career record. He went 5-7 last season with the Lobos.
“Athletics is an important part of the Utah State University experience, and the success of our football program is at the forefront,” Utah State University President Elizabeth Cantwell said in a news release. “The impact that a championship-level football program can have on the profile of the university, the student-body experience, with our alumni and in the Cache Valley community, is immeasurable. Bronco Mendenhall is absolutely right for this moment at USU and he will help propel us into a great future.”
Utah State said Mendenhall’s move to Logan would also allow the Utah native to move closer to his 93-year-old mother, Lenore Mendenhall, who lives in Alpine.
