LOGAN, Utah — Bronco Mendenhall has finalized a six-year contract to take over as the head football coach at Utah State University, as announced by the institution on Friday.

The 58-year-old Mendenhall transitions to the Aggies after a single season with New Mexico, where he managed a record of 5-7. Under his leadership, New Mexico ranked first in the Mountain West Conference for total offense, averaging 484.2 yards per game.

Prior to his tenure at New Mexico, Mendenhall coached for six years at the University of Virginia and amassed an impressive 11 seasons at Brigham Young University (BYU). Throughout his 18-year coaching career, he boasts a record of 140 wins against 88 losses.

“My focus lies in nurturing young talent and enhancing football programs to fulfill their potential,” Mendenhall stated in a press release. “Utah State presents a wonderful opportunity for both, and it aligns with the family-oriented approach I prioritize with my wife, Holly. We are eager to contribute to Utah State’s esteemed legacy and strive for excellence in football.”

Mendenhall joins a Utah State program that has faced challenges in recent years, finishing with three consecutive losing seasons since claiming their sole Mountain West Conference championship in 2021. The Aggies ended the previous season with a record of 4-8 under interim head coach Nate Dreiling, who was appointed after the dismissal of Blake Anderson in July due to alleged violations of university protocol regarding the handling of sexual misconduct complaints.

Known for his ability to revitalize struggling teams, Mendenhall previously achieved success with BYU and Virginia. He led the Cougars to consecutive Mountain West championships in 2006 and 2007 during his early years in Provo. After taking charge at Virginia in 2016, he piloted the Cavaliers to their first Orange Bowl appearance in 2019.

Following his departure from Virginia in 2021, Mendenhall took a two-year break from coaching before accepting a five-year deal with New Mexico last December. He quickly turned the Lobos’ fortunes around, achieving their highest number of wins in a season since 2016.