Bronco Mendenhall is back. The former BYU and Virginia head coach has taken over the University of New Mexico football program. His contract is worth $6 million over five years, making him the highest-paid coach in school history. Fans are eager to see how he will rebuild the struggling team.
Mendenhall has spent years shaping college football programs. His coaching style focuses on discipline, leadership, and strong defense. His success at BYU and Virginia proves his ability to turn teams into contenders. His return to coaching raises big questions. Can he transform New Mexico into a winning program?
This article covers everything. Mendenhall’s career, contract details, salary, net worth, and coaching strategies. A full breakdown of his impact on college football. Fans and analysts will find all the details they need right here.
Who Is Bronco Mendenhall?
Bronco Mendenhall is a well-known name in college football. He built a strong reputation as a head coach, leading successful programs and shaping young athletes. His coaching style focuses on discipline, strategy, and leadership.
Over the years, he has worked with different teams, bringing positive change wherever he goes. Fans respect his ability to develop winning teams and strong player relationships. His career spans decades, making him one of the most recognized coaches in college football.
Where Did Bronco Mendenhall Grow Up?
Bronco Mendenhall was born on February 21, 1966, in Alpine, Utah. His early years were spent in a small-town environment surrounded by mountains and open landscapes. Growing up in Utah shaped his love for football and the outdoors.
His family played a big role in his upbringing, encouraging hard work and dedication. Sports were always part of his life. His father, who was also involved in coaching, helped him develop a passion for the game. From a young age, he learned about teamwork and leadership, qualities that later defined his career.
Where Did Bronco Mendenhall Play College Football?
Mendenhall played college football at Oregon State University. He was a standout player, contributing as a defensive back and linebacker. His time at Oregon State gave him valuable experience on the field.
He faced tough competition, learning how to handle pressure and adapt to different game situations. His college career wasn’t just about playing.
It was also about understanding the strategies behind the game. He studied defensive plays closely, which later influenced his coaching methods.
Where Does Bronco Mendenhall Live?
Bronco Mendenhall and his wife, Holly, moved to Montana after he resigned as Virginia’s head football coach in 2021. They sold their ranch in Charlottesville, Virginia, and settled in Montana, where Mendenhall engaged in outdoor activities like horseback riding and roping.
In December 2024, Mendenhall accepted the head coaching position at Utah State University in Logan, Utah. Given this new role, it is likely that he now resides in or near Logan to fulfill his coaching responsibilities.
Who Is Bronco Mendenhall Married To?
Bronco Mendenhall married Holly Johnston in 1997. Throughout his coaching career, Holly has been a steadfast supporter, providing stability and balance.
Together, they have navigated the challenges of leading football programs, including long hours and relocations. Their partnership has been a cornerstone of Mendenhall’s professional journey.
How Did Bronco Mendenhall Start His Coaching Career?
Mendenhall started his coaching journey as a graduate assistant at Oregon State. His time as a player gave him the knowledge and confidence to transition into coaching.
He worked under experienced mentors, learning the details of managing a football team. His early roles focused on defensive coaching, a skill that became one of his greatest strengths. Over time, he took on bigger roles, gaining recognition for his ability to develop strong defenses.
His coaching career took off quickly, leading to opportunities at different universities. Step by step, he built a reputation as a coach who could transform struggling teams into competitive programs.
Bronco Mendenhall’s Coaching Career
Bronco Mendenhall built a career based on discipline and strong defensive strategies. His coaching journey started with small roles before moving into leadership positions. Every team he worked with saw improvements in structure and performance.
His ability to develop young athletes and turn programs around earned him respect in the football community. He became known for building teams that focused on effort, teamwork, and resilience.
What Teams Has Bronco Mendenhall Previously Coached?
Mendenhall has worked with multiple college football teams. His early coaching experience included positions at Oregon State, Northern Arizona, and Louisiana Tech. These roles helped him develop his coaching philosophy.
Later, he became the defensive coordinator at the University of New Mexico. His work there improved the team’s defense and caught the attention of bigger programs.
BYU hired him as their defensive coordinator, and after two years, he became the head coach. His time at BYU lasted more than a decade. He built a successful program, leading the team to multiple bowl games and national rankings.
His next major role came at the University of Virginia. As head coach, he transformed the program and led the team to the ACC Championship Game. Every team he coached improved under his leadership.
What Team Is Bronco Mendenhall Currently Coaching?
Mendenhall recently accepted the head coaching position at the University of New Mexico. After taking time away from coaching, he decided to return to the game. New Mexico is a program that has struggled in recent years.
His experience and leadership could help rebuild the team and create a stronger foundation. Fans are eager to see how his coaching style will impact the program.
Will Bronco Mendenhall Ever Coach in the NFL?
College football has always been Mendenhall’s focus. He has spent his entire career developing young athletes and shaping team cultures. Some successful college coaches make the jump to the NFL, but Mendenhall has never shown strong interest in that path.
His coaching style works best with student-athletes who are still developing. The NFL requires a different approach, where coaching is more about managing professional athletes than building character. While anything is possible, his history suggests he will remain in college football.
What Are Bronco Mendenhall’s Future Coaching Plans?
Mendenhall’s return to coaching at New Mexico suggests a long-term commitment. He took time off to rest and focus on personal goals. Now, he is back with new energy and fresh ideas.
His goal will likely be to build a strong program, improve player development, and compete in the Mountain West Conference.
Success at New Mexico could open more opportunities. Bigger programs may try to recruit him if he turns the team around. Retirement is also a possibility in the future, but for now, coaching remains his passion. His focus is on making New Mexico competitive again.
What Are Bronco Mendenhall’s Biggest Achievements and Awards?
Mendenhall has achieved success at every coaching stop. During his time at BYU, he led the team to multiple double-digit win seasons. His teams regularly finished in the national rankings.
At Virginia, he guided the program to its first ACC Championship appearance in school history. That accomplishment proved his ability to build competitive teams in tough conferences.
His teams have earned invitations to many bowl games. Player development has also been one of his strengths. Many of his former players have gone on to have successful professional careers.
His reputation as a coach who builds disciplined, hard-working teams remains one of his greatest achievements.
How Has Bronco Mendenhall Impacted College Football?
Mendenhall’s influence goes beyond wins and losses. His leadership has shaped the careers of many athletes and coaches.
Players who worked under him often speak about the life lessons they learned. His focus on discipline, accountability, and teamwork has helped players succeed both on and off the field.
Other coaches have also learned from his approach. His defensive strategies have influenced coaching staffs across different programs.
The teams he coached have all improved under his leadership. His impact on college football comes from his ability to turn struggling teams into respected programs.
Which Coaches Have a Similar Style to Bronco Mendenhall?
Mendenhall’s coaching style focuses on strong defense, discipline, and player development. Coaches like Kyle Whittingham at Utah and Pat Fitzgerald at Northwestern share similar philosophies. Their teams play with toughness and smart defensive schemes.
LaVell Edwards, the legendary BYU coach, influenced Mendenhall’s coaching career. He took many lessons from his time at BYU and applied them to his teams.
Coaches who build programs with a long-term vision often follow a similar approach. Mendenhall’s commitment to structure and leadership makes him stand out in college football.
Bronco Mendenhall and the Transfer Portal & NIL
The world of college football has changed. New rules allow players to transfer more freely and earn money through NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals.
Coaches must adapt to these changes to stay competitive. Mendenhall has always focused on player development.
He believes in building strong teams by finding athletes who fit his system. His approach to the transfer portal and NIL reflects his values as a coach.
How Does Bronco Mendenhall Use the Transfer Portal?
Mendenhall looks for players who match his program’s culture. He does not chase high-profile transfers. His focus is on athletes who want to improve, work hard, and fit into his system.
The transfer portal gives him a chance to bring in experienced players. These players can fill gaps in the roster and provide leadership.
New Mexico is not a top-tier program. Attracting elite high school recruits is difficult. The transfer portal helps balance the roster by adding players who need a fresh start. Mendenhall has always been selective.
He does not take transfers just for the sake of talent. Players must fit his vision. This strategy worked at BYU and Virginia. It will likely continue at New Mexico.
What Is Bronco Mendenhall’s Stance on NIL Deals?
Mendenhall supports athletes having opportunities. He understands that NIL gives players financial freedom. His main concern is balance.
NIL can create challenges inside a locker room. Some players earn large deals, while others get nothing. This can affect team chemistry.
He has spoken about keeping football the main focus. Players should not let NIL deals distract them from their performance. He encourages athletes to make smart decisions.
His programs have always focused on structure and accountability. NIL is part of college football now. Mendenhall wants his players to benefit without losing sight of their goals.
How Has NIL Affected Bronco Mendenhall’s Recruiting Strategy?
Recruiting is different now. Players look at NIL opportunities when choosing a school. Mendenhall knows that New Mexico does not have the same NIL resources as bigger programs. This means he must find recruits who value coaching and development.
His approach will focus on athletes who want long-term success. Some recruits chase NIL money. Others look for strong coaching and a good team environment. Mendenhall targets players who want to improve their game. This strategy helps build a team with strong chemistry.
Bronco Mendenhall’s New Mexico Contract Details
Bronco Mendenhall signed a five-year contract worth at least $6 million to take over New Mexico’s football team, making him the highest-paid coach in program history.
How Much Does Bronco Mendenhall Earn in Salary Per Year?
Bronco Mendenhall’s annual base salary at the University of New Mexico is $1.2 million. This is $500,000 more per year than his predecessor, Danny Gonzales, who earned $700,000 annually.
What Incentives and Bonuses Are Included in Bronco Mendenhall’s Contract?
Bronco Mendenhall’s contract with the University of New Mexico includes various incentives to encourage success both on and off the field. These incentives are based on team performance, academic achievements, and ticket sales.
For instance, Mendenhall can earn additional compensation for appearances in the Mountain West Conference Championship Game, winning the championship, being named Mountain West Coach of the Year, and achieving specific Academic Progress Rate (APR) scores.
These bonuses aim to promote excellence in both athletic and academic aspects of the football program.
How Does Bronco Mendenhall’s Contract Compare to Other College Coaches?
In the Mountain West Conference, Mendenhall’s $1.2 million annual salary places him among the higher-paid coaches. For example, Spencer Danielson at Boise State earns $1.1 million per year.
Bronco Mendenhall’s Net Worth and Financial Overview
Bronco Mendenhall has built a successful career in college football coaching. His financial achievements reflect his dedication and expertise in the sport.
What Is Bronco Mendenhall’s Net Worth?
As of 2025, estimates of Bronco Mendenhall’s net worth vary. Some sources suggest it is around $12 million, while others estimate between $100,000 and $1 million. This wealth comes from his years of coaching at various universities.
How Has Bronco Mendenhall Built His Wealth Over the Years?
Bronco Mendenhall has built his wealth through a series of coaching roles at various universities. At Brigham Young University (BYU), he served as head coach from 2005 to 2015, leading the team to multiple successful seasons.
His tenure at the University of Virginia from 2016 to 2021 also contributed to his income, with competitive compensation packages. In December 2023, Mendenhall signed a five-year, $6 million contract with the University of New Mexico, further increasing his earnings.
In December 2024, he accepted the head coaching position at Utah State University, signing a six-year, $12 million contract, which significantly boosted his financial standing.
What Other Sources of Income Does Bronco Mendenhall Have?
Bronco Mendenhall has supplemented his coaching income through various speaking engagements. For instance, he was the keynote speaker at the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce annual luncheon on April 18, 2018.
Additionally, agencies like Sports Speakers 360 and All American Speakers Bureau list him for potential speaking engagements and endorsements, indicating his involvement in such activities. These engagements reflect his reputation in college football and contribute to his overall income.
How Does Bronco Mendenhall’s Salary Compare to Other College Coaches?
Bronco Mendenhall’s annual salary of $2 million at Utah State University places him among the higher-paid coaches in the Mountain West Conference. For instance, Dan Mullen at UNLV earns $3.5 million per year, making him the highest-paid coach in the conference.
Jay Norvell at Colorado State earns $1.9 million annually. Mendenhall’s salary reflects Utah State’s commitment to investing in its football program.
