Advertisement The effects of Bronco Mendenhall’s departure from UNM’s football program There has been considerable excitement surrounding the UNM Lobos, even though the football team concluded the season with a record of 5-7. Now, the program is preparing to search for a new head coach. Updated: 6:58 PM MST Dec 6, 2024 Julian Paras “There’s […]
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The effects of Bronco Mendenhall’s departure from UNM’s football program
There has been considerable excitement surrounding the UNM Lobos, even though the football team concluded the season with a record of 5-7. Now, the program is preparing to search for a new head coach.
Updated: 6:58 PM MST Dec 6, 2024
“There’s potential out there for financial gain, but there’s also a culture present that we could develop,” remarked UNM student Serio Burgara. “And you could see it this year.” Burgara, who is an avid sports enthusiast, expressed disappointment upon learning that UNM’s football coach Bronco Mendenhall has chosen to depart, realizing that his tenure with the Lobos was brief. “The fans desire someone to rally behind,” Burgara stated. “If we bring in strong players and we’re making use of them, that stadium will be filled because it truly is a wonderful venue.” UNM athletic director Fernando Lovo mentioned in a statement, “We are already in the process of searching for a new head coach, and there is notable interest from top-tier coaches who want to join the Lobo Family.” “This is particularly disappointing because he had established Bronco Mendenhall,” said Kurt Roth, President of the 505 Sports Venture Foundation. “His team and staff fostered a genuine sense of hope that the future appears promising.” The 505 Sports Venture Foundation also noted that Mendenhall’s departure could influence their ability to fundraise for college athletes pursuing name, image, and likeness opportunities. “Name, image and likeness, or NIL, is crucial for the development of athletic programs at major universities,” Roth remarked. “Regardless of who the coach is, this must persist.” Fans, including Burgara, remain hopeful about the football team’s prospects. “We just need to keep progressing, acquire the right players, and surround ourselves with the right individuals,” Burgara commented. Mendenhall has entered into a six-year contract with Utah State to serve as its next head coach.
“There’s potential out there for financial gain, but there’s also a culture present that we could develop,” UNM student Serio Burgara shared. “And you could see it this year.”
Burgara, who is a dedicated sports follower, noted his disappointment upon learning that UNM’s football coach Bronco Mendenhall has opted to leave, acknowledging that his time with the Lobos was fleeting.
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“The fans desire someone to rally behind,” Burgara stated. “If we’re bringing in strong players and we’re utilizing them, that stadium will be packed because it is a wonderful venue.”
UNM athletic director Fernando Lovo confirmed in a statement, “The search for a new head coach is well underway, and we have considerable interest from elite coaches eager to become part of the Lobo Family.”
“This is particularly disappointing because he had built Bronco Mendenhall,” remarked Kurt Roth, President of the 505 Sports Venture Foundation. “His team and staff had cultivated an authentic sense of hope that the future is bright.”
The 505 Sports Venture Foundation indicated that Mendenhall’s exit could also impact their efforts in raising funds for college athletes pursuing name, image, and likeness opportunities.
“Name, image and likeness, NIL, is critical in establishing sports athletic programs at leading universities,” Roth elaborated. “So, regardless of the coaching situation, it must continue to be a priority.”
Enthusiastic supporters like Burgara remain hopeful about the future of the football program.
“We just must keep advancing, secure the right players, and surround ourselves with the appropriate people,” Burgara emphasized.
Mendenhall has finalized a six-year deal with Utah State to assume the role of its head coach.
