ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — UNM on Wednesday announced Bronco Mendenhall will serve as the head coach of the men’s football team, starting in 2024.

Mendenhall signed a 5-year deal that will see him take over for Danny Gonzales and become the 33rd head coach in program history. Mendenhall is guaranteed $1.2 million each year.

Mendenhall piqued Lobo interest because the 17-year veteran head coach has twice turned around struggling programs.

In 2005, his first season as head coach for BYU, he led them to a bowl game for the first time since 2001. In 2017, Mendenhall led the Virginia Cavaliers to their first bowl game in six years after just two seasons with them.

“[My wife] Holly and I are excited to be returning to Albuquerque where we have many fond memories,” Mendenhall said.  “We welcome the challenge and opportunity of building a program of excellence. We are excited to get to know the players, assemble a world-class group of people, immerse ourselves in the community and truly make a difference at UNM.”

Mendenhall served as defensive coordinator and associate head coach under Rocky Long from 1998-2002. In three straight seasons, their Lobos led the Mountain West in rushing defense.

Here are the terms of the deal Mendenhall signed:

ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE INCENTIVES

• $25,000 for making the Mountain West Conference (MWC) Championship game
• $25,000 for earning MWC Coach of the Year
• $50,000 for winning the MWC Championship
• $50,000 for earning National Coach of the Year
• $50,000 for a non-College Football Playoffs (CFP) bowl appearance
• $50,000 for CFP Bowl appearance
• $50,000 per CFP playoff win (including a first-round bye)
• $100,000 for winning the CFP National Championship

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE INCENTIVES

• $10,000 for Academic Progress Rate greater than or equal to 950*
• $15,000 for APR greater than or equal to 960*
• $20,000 for APR greater than or equal to 970*

^{*2023-24 and beyond}

TICKET SALES INCENTIVES

• $15,000* if ticket sales increase 15% in any season
• $25,000* if sales increase 25% in any season
• $50,000* if sales increase 50% in any season

^{*spit evenly with Coach Mendenhall and the program}

The deal specifies the definition of “ticket sales” will be mutually agreed upon by the administration and Mendenhall before each season.

Mendenhall will also receive:

• $25,000 moving allowance for his household
• Courtesy vehicle from the university
• Club membership at one or more local Country Clubs
• Tickets to home games for football, men’s basketball and other sports by request*

^{*must be approved by Athletic Director Eddie Nuñez}

Mendenhall is also guaranteed severance pay:

• 100% of his salary for the remainder of his contract term, if terminated in years one or two
• 80%, if terminated in year three
• 65%, if terminated in year four
• 50%, if terminated in year five

UNM also outlined the terms of a buyout, should he get picked up by another program before his contract expires:

• $3 million, year one
• $2 million, year two
• $750,000, year three
• $500,000, year four
• $300,000, year five

KOB 4 captured video of Mendenhall getting off a private plane Tuesday night at the Albuquerque Sunport with UNM Athletics Director Eddie Nunez. 

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• Lobo football head coach candidate Bronco Mendenhall lands in Albuquerque