“My messaging was really clear on, ‘this isn’t a matter of if this will work. It’s when and with whom.’ And I’m certain of that.”
Went (very) long on Bronco Mendenhall’s return to New Mexico, college football’s most fascinating full-circle moment.
It’s official.
Bronco Mendenhall is New Mexico’s next head coach.
Full story on the former BYU and Virginia coach returning to Albuquerque via
@ABQJournal
:
Personal news? Professional news? Either way:
Today’s my first day as a sports reporter with the
@ABQJournal
! Thrilled to join the top-notch staff here and looking forward to learning more about Albuquerque and NM as a whole in the coming months.
✉️: sreider
@abqjournal
.com
Some personal news:
Next week, I’ll be starting work as a high school and college sports reporter for
@lenaweenews
.
Endlessly excited for this opportunity and looking forward to telling the stories of Lenawee County!
16 games, 4,901 miles travelled and (seemingly) a million mistyped tweets later…
A lot more to come from tonight and in the coming weeks but that’s a wrap on ‘23. Truly appreciate everybody who followed along and already looking forward to ‘24 🍻
Mendenhall: “I was hired to coach the football team — regardless of who I answer to. That doesn’t change, and I intend to do that at the highest level of my capability with great principles, great morals and great outcomes over time.”
Mendenhall on Eddie Nunez's departure: "(He) did an exceptional job at UNM ... anything other than gratitude and excitement for him doesn't seem aligned."
Said the timing "really doesn't matter" to him.
“For people who didn’t think I could do it, well, we’re here.“
At a place that seemed to mark the end, Jerry Kill got his first bowl win to start something new. On a poncho, Quick Lane Bowls of the past and a truly rare full-circle moment in Detroit:
Lobos land a commitment from Na’Quari Rogers, a former Campbell RB. Rushed for 478 yards on 99 carries (4.8 YPC) last season with the Fighting Camels.
UNM’s portal additions, as of today:
-QB Sol-Jay Maiava-Peters
-LB Tirek Austin-Cave
-DB Cam Watts
-RB Na’Quari Rogers
Bronco Mendenhall took the floor, waved to the crowd and walked off. Short, simple introduction for the Lobos’ next head coach.
Mendenhall’s introductory presser is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday morning.
BREAKING: Danny Gonzales will not be back for the fifth and final year of his contract.
“After careful consideration, I have reached the conclusion that our football program needs new leadership,” AD Eddie Nunez said in a release.
Little late to this one: former BYU QB/RB (and ‘22 New Mexico Bowl MVP) Sol-Jay Maiava-Peters committed to UNM earlier today.
@247recruiting
had Maiava committed to the Lobos in late February.
Not a huge flight tracker guy. Dunno if I really have the time to be one either.
But, for what it’s worth, a flight from “near Starkville, MS” did arrive in Albuquerque a little over 30 minutes ago.
Starkville is, of course, the home of Mississippi State University.
Mel Tucker opened his presser by congratulating Tom Izzo on making his 24th straight NCAA Tournament and surpassing Bob Knight’s Big Ten all-time win record.
“What a treasure that we have here w/ Coach Izzo.”
From earlier today: West Mesa’s Elijah Brody (6-foot-6, 202 pounds) signed his NLI with New Mexico. Played QB for the Mustangs but Lobos are planning on utilizing his athleticism “any way they can.”
More notes on his commitment from
@JamesDYodice
here:
Lobos land a commitment from Miller, a former three-star prospect + 6-foot-1, 205-pound Illinois receiver. Did not record a stat as a freshman in ‘23.
(assuming this was one of the official visits this weekend?)
UNM’s 2024 schedule, as of now:
vs Montana State (Aug. 24)
at Arizona (Aug. 31)
at Auburn (Sept. 14)
at NMSU (Sept. 28)
vs Air Force (TBD)
vs Fresno State (TBD)
vs Wyoming (TBD)
vs Wazzu (TBD)
at CSU (TBD)
at Hawaii (TBD)
at SDSU (TBD)
at Utah State (TBD)
Thoughts?
Asked Mendenhall this morning about S David Murphy getting put on scholarship.
“Maybe the most deserving I’ve ever seen.”
Murphy added that Mendenhall announced it during a team meeting last night and the room immediately exploded.
“Like a volcano. Everybody was going crazy.”
Today, July 24th 2024, on my late grandmother's birthday, I EARNED a scholarship at The University of New Mexico. Never in your life, let ANYONE tell you what you can and cannot do. It is all possible. 🫡🐺
#EarnedNOTGiven
#DesertBuilt
New Mexico’s highest rated players in NCAA Football 25:
RB Andrew Henry (81 overall)
RG Isaiah Sillemon (80)
RB Eli Sanders (80)
S Tavian Combs (79)
WR Luke Wysong (79)
Jerry Kill on Bronco Mendenhall: "That's a great hire for New Mexico."
Said he thought he got away from Rocky Long for good, only for UNM to hire (another) coach from "his bloodline."
"Give them credit for hiring him. That's a big hire."
Threw for 198 yards and ran for 153 with five total touchdowns in a double overtime win over UNM on Friday, announces he’s giving up his remaining eligibility for Navy SEAL training on Monday.
What a sport.
UNM HC (and former college baseball player!) Bronco Mendenhall throws out the first pitch prior to tonight’s Isotopes-Space Cowboys game.
(one of the harder first pitches i can remember?)
Story to come but Bronco Mendenhall has signed his contract, per UNM AD Eddie Nuñez.
Mendenhall spent his first spring at UNM operating off a memorandum of understanding signed in December.
A little late to the party but excited to announce I’ll be an
@AP_Top25
voter this season on behalf of
@ABQJournal
! Here’s how I voted in today’s preseason poll:
Hi. Due to company-wide cuts, today was my last day at
@lenaweesports
.
In short — it’s tough. But it was an honor and a privilege to report on the teams and athletes of Lenawee County, if only for the summer.
Here’s some of my favorite stories from my time w/ the Telegram:
BREAKING Washington's Kalen DeBoer will become the next coach at Alabama and replace Nick Saban, per sources. DeBoer is expected to meet with the Huskies shortly to talk to the team about his decision.
Bronco Mendenhall’s introductory presser about to get rolling.
Multiple players, including Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Devon Dampier and Syaire Riley, in attendance.
“I’m not much of a part of it, but I’m a little bit of a part of it.”
Spoke with Rocky Long about his role at Fort Lewis College, interviewing for the vacancy at UNM and a new life in Durango.
“I don’t think I’m the retiring kind.”
via
@ABQJournal
:
I’m gonna try and thread UNM’s portal offers as I see them over the next few weeks. Can’t guarantee I see every single one immediately, so if you see one that isn’t on here, feel free to shoot it my way!
🧵
Bronco Mendenhall said he's bringing all of his own coaches and not retaining anybody from Gonzales' staff. Added a couple wanted to even make the drive here -- "hopefully not breaking speed limits" -- last night but are on their way soon.
No dates yet but Washington State is coming to Albuquerque next season.
Full ‘24 non-conference schedule (as of now):
vs Montana State (Aug. 24)
at Arizona (Aug. 31)
at Auburn (Sept. 14)
at NMSU (Sept. 28)
vs Washington State (TBD)
FINAL: New Mexico State 27, New Mexico 17
First time NMSU has won two in a row against UNM since 2016-17. Jerry Kill surges to 2-0 against the Lobos while Danny Gonzales drops to 1-2 against the Aggies.
No jersey numbers or official depth chart yet but we got notes, quotes and scattershot observations from New Mexico’s first day of spring ball live on
@ABQJournal
.
(photos via
@jvaDT
)
link:
Missed 2023 due to injury but was rock solid for the Aztecs in 2021-22. Good pickup for a defense that could use some help at corner.
(the Zach Morris trade has been completed?)
🚨ROSTER UPDATES!!!🚨
Let's welcome Noah Avinger (
@NAvinger1
) to the Lobo Family!
A former starting CB for the SDSU Aztecs, Noah has 25 career games 2 picks + 7 PBUs, and was a MW Freshman of the Week and a 2022 preseason All-MW pick by Athlon!!!
#GoLobos
New Mexico HC Danny Gonzales used part of his opening statement today to wish
@NMStateFootball
’s Nate Dreiling and his wife, Alexa, the best as she begins her fight against breast cancer.
On August 10th Alexa was diagnosed with breast cancer. We have a great game plan in place and are ready to go to work to whoop some butt. Thanks to everyone for reaching out and we would appreciate prayers for her and everyone else fighting this disease!
#BeBrave
UNM’s 2024 captains: WR Luke Wysong, DB Noah Avinger, OL Richard Pearce and EDGE Gabe Lopez.
Mendenhall had previously said that captains would be named after this afternoon’s practice.
Lobos offer former Minot State DB Isaiah Bigby, who led the Beavers with 57 solo tackles in 2023. Also made two interceptions, three PBUs and one forced fumble.
Devon Dampier keeps it for a slick 13-yard rushing TD. Caps a seven-play, 51-yard scoring drive.
PAT is good, but Tacario Davis is whistled for unsportsmanlike conduct after. New Mexico leads Arizona 24-17 with 4:51 left in the first half.
‘Cuse averaged 358.7 yards and 25.5 points per game this season. Would set Beck up for an 11th season coaching under Mendenhall.
(can the entire staff leak w/o an official announcement? stay tuned)
Sources: New Mexico is hiring Jason Beck as offensive coordinator under new coach Bronco Mendenhall. Beck most recently served as Syracuse OC but has been with Mendenhall at both Virginia and BYU, coaching quarterbacks.