Bronco Mendenhall

Mendenhall’s early coaching roles included serving as defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at Snow College (1991-1992), Northern Arizona (1993-1994), and New Mexico (1998-2002), where he notably coached NFL Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher. Before taking the top job at Brigham Young University, Mendenhall also served as BYU’s defensive coordinator for two seasons, from 2003-2004, solidifying his reputation for defensive prowess. Mendenhall’s head coaching tenure began at BYU in 2005, where over 11 seasons he amassed a remarkable 99-43 record. He guided the Cougars to 11 consecutive bowl appearances and secured two Mountain West Conference championships in 2006 and 2007.

Under his leadership, BYU achieved five 10-win seasons, earning Mendenhall the Mountain West Coach of the Year award in 2006. His impactful time at BYU also included leading the program through its transition to football independence from 2011 to 2015, showcasing his strategic leadership beyond the field and consistently developing players who earned Academic All-America honors and signed NFL contracts. Following his successful run at BYU, Mendenhall took on the head coaching role at the University of Virginia from 2016 to 2021. Inheriting a program that had not achieved a winning season in five years, he engineered a significant turnaround, leading the Cavaliers to bowl eligibility in his final five seasons and securing their first-ever Orange Bowl appearance in 2019.

He brings a career total of 140 wins and proven expertise in developing both players and successful collegiate football programs.