Utah State Finalizes Hiring Of Former BYU HC Bronco Mendenhall
Dec 5, 2024, 10:33 PM | Updated: Dec 17, 2024, 2:19 pm
SALT LAKE CITY – Former BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall is returning to the Beehive State, this time as the head coach of the Utah State Aggies.
Utah State Director of Athletics Diana Sabau announced on Friday, December 6, that Mendenhall had been hired as the 31st head coach in program history.
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“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,” Sabau said. “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.”
𝐀 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐄𝐫𝐚 𝐎𝐟 𝐀𝐠𝐠𝐢𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲!
Welcome our newest Head Coach, Bronco Mendenhall!
➡️ https://t.co/iKHSQiOLVk#AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/6uEujZpELt
— USU Football (@USUFootball) December 6, 2024
Bronco Mendenhall Nears Deal With Utah State
Mendenhall will join Utah State after serving one year as the head coach at New Mexico.
The Utah native led the Lobos to a surprising 5-7 record in his first season at the helm after a two-year hiatus from coaching.
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Before his time in New Mexico, Mendenhall spent six seasons as the head coach at Virginia, where he led the Cavaliers to a 36-38 record, including the first trip to the Orange Bowl in program history.
Mendenhall’s head coaching career began at BYU, where he took over for Gary Crowton in 2004.
Over 11 seasons, Mendenhall led the Cougars to a record of 99-43, including five seasons with at least ten wins.
"My passion is developing young people and transforming football programs to reach their full potential."
🗣️ Head Coach Bronco Mendenhall
➡️ https://t.co/kuud41AnNU pic.twitter.com/2N4DlHy6bz
— USU Football (@USUFootball) December 6, 2024
During the coach’s tenure, BYU never failed to qualify for a bowl game.
Mendenhall will replace Nate Dreiling, who was named interim head coach at Utah State in July of 2024 after the program announced its intention to fire head coach Blake Anderson.
The Aggies finished with a record of 4-8 under Dreiling.
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Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops, on Instagram @BensHoops, or on BlueSky.