Former BYU, Current UVA Coaches Share Feelings After Bronco Mendenhall’s Resignation
Dec 2, 2021, 4:53 PM
Offensive line coach Garett Tujague and head coach Bronco Mendenhall of the Virginia Cavaliers in the second half during a game against the Florida State Seminoles at Scott Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Former BYU and current Virginia assistant football coaches shared their thoughts after UVA head coach Bronco Mendenhall announced that he would step down after the bowl season.
RELATED STORIES
Mendenhall announced the move on Thursday, December 2.
When Mendenhall accepted the UVA job in 2015, much of his staff followed him across the country to the Cavaliers.
Shortly after Mendenhall’s decision was made public, multiple members of his coaching staff shared their thoughts and feelings on social media.
Mark Atuaia
Former BYU player/coach and current UVA running backs coach
“Thanks for the ride, UVA. I’ll drive home now to be with my family as I’m sure they’re tryna sift through the chaos. As I’m pulled over on the side of the road, I’ll say this: I love all my RBs who have played for me. We’re always connected until the day I die,” Atuaia tweeted.
Thanks for the ride, UVA. I’ll drive home now to be with my family as I’m sure they’re tryna sift through the chaos. As I’m pulled over on the side of the road, I’ll say this: I love all my RBs who have played for me. We’re always connected until the day I die
— UVACoachAtuaia (@UVACoachAtuaia) December 2, 2021
Garett Tujague
Former BYU player/coach and current UVA offensive line coach
“SOOOO MUCH LOVE FOR GOOD OLE UVA!!! Grateful for our time and more importantly my players!!! That’s what makes me go!!! Heading Home back to C-Ville (The Hook) to hang with #TEAM2J Love how passionate these fans are for elite Football!!” Tujague tweeted.
SOOOO MUCH LOVE FOR GOOD OLE UVA!!!
🔶⚔️🔷
Grateful for our time and more importantly my players!!! That’s what makes me go!!!
Heading Home back to C-Ville (The Hook) to hang with #TEAM2J
Love how passionate these fans are for elite Football!!
🔶⚔️🔷#BigMenLead— Coach Garett Tujague (@Coach2J) December 2, 2021
Other coaches on Virginia’s staff that have BYU ties include Robert Anae, Nick Howell, Kelly Poppinga, Jason Beck, Shane Hunter, and Matt Edwards.
About Bronco Mendenhall
In six seasons with Virginia, Mendenhall led the Cavaliers to a 36-38 record. Virginia is 6-6 this season. The Cavaliers are 1-2 in bowl games under Mendenhall.
Before getting hired by UVA in 2015, Mendenhall served as BYU’s head coach from 2005-15. Mendenhall was hired as head coach for the first time following a couple of seasons as the Cougars’ defensive coordinator. Mendenhall had a 99-43 record as BYU’s head coach, including 6-5 in bowl games.
BREAKING: Former @BYUfootball head coach Bronco Mendenhall announces he will step down as @UVAFootball’s head coach following the bowl season. 🏈#BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL #GoHooshttps://t.co/7KGeS6SxLx
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 2, 2021
Mendenhall and the Cavaliers traveled to Provo, Utah in October and suffered a 66-49 loss to the Cougars. It was Mendenhall’s first trip back to BYU as a head coach of another program.
BYU is currently slated to travel to UVA during the 2023 season. Virginia is set to return to Provo in 2025.
Mendenhall owns a 135-81 record as an FBS head coach.
