Virginia Bronco Mendenhall coach resigns: How Cavaliers will move forward after unexpected departure

Virginia coach Bronco Mendenhall announced his resignation Thursday after six seasons in charge of the Cavaliers. He has pledged to lead the show through its game of bowls, which will be announced on Sunday. Mendenhall owns a 36-38 (22-27 ACC) record since arriving in the 2016 season after 11 seasons as head coach of BYU.

“I have been head coach for 17 years in a row. Before that I was assistant 11, and I was assistant graduate two years before that,” Mendenhall said in a meeting, Mendenhall said in a press conference. newspaper. “It’s been 31 years of football. My wife and I will be married for 25 years in March. All we know together is the rhythm of a football season. That’s all the kids are all about. i knew, and this january, all three will be gone Holly and i are empty nests and all they know is the rhythm and cycle of football We know what that looks like how. “

Mendenhall, 55, did not rule out a return to coaching in the future but said, “I need to step back College football and reevaluate, renew, readjust, and re-create with my wife as a future mate and next chapter of our lives. “

The Cavaliers have qualified to play in poor games in each of the last five seasons after previously failing to play since 2011. Mendenhall’s most successful campaign came in 2019 when Virginia finished with 9-5 (6-2 ACC), won the Coastal prize. and play in the program’s New Year’s Luc game.

“It has been a privilege to have Bronco Mendenhall direct the Virginia team for the past six seasons,” Virginia athletics director Carla Williams said in a statement. “He’s done an outstanding job of not only transforming the show, but raising expectations for the show. He’s established the foundation needed to propel our football team forward. He’s much more than a football coach and his impact on these young men will be a positive influence for the rest of their lives. … I am so lucky to be worked with him for the past 4 years and I wish him and Holly the best in their next chapter.”

Mendenhall guided the Cavaliers to the 34-28 mark in his final five seasons and appeared in the AP Top 25 during the 2018 and 2019 seasons.

As for where Virginia might look next, Mendenhall said he plans to be ready to assist Williams in the search, though he’s uncertain about his role in the recruiting.

“My trust and partnership with her is off the charts,” Mendenhall said. “I was prepared to have a vet or consultation, if needed.” exactly like that. … I’m sure whoever gets selected to our program will be special.”

Here are the takeaways from his resignation announcement.

End of stable running

Virginia had seven losing seasons in eight years when Mendenhall came in after the 2015 campaign. After a 2-10 debut season in 2016, Mendenhall lifted the Cavaliers to .500 or higher in the regular season for the final five seasons. during his tenure. It was a great attempt at settling into a conference he had never worked on before. Prior to joining BYU, Mendenhall was an assistant at New Mexico, Louisiana Tech and Oregon State, among others.

The next coach’s success will be a mystery, obviously, but with Mendenhall being asked to stay, it’s safe to say Virginia enjoys the stability he provides. That’s not for nothing in today’s atmosphere of administrations and happiness coaches.

Mendenhall shows the potential of UVA rays

Consistency has been a hallmark of his tenure, but Mendenhall has also been in impressive form. Virginia played in the Orange Bowl just two seasons ago after the Cavaliers won the ACC Coastal for the first time. Their 6-2 league record in 2019 was their best since 2007 and a reminder that, despite its limitations, UVA is a program that can manage to compete for the title. regular enemies. Virginia lost Orange Bowl 36-28 to Florida that year, but it was the show’s most prestigious post-season appearance since it played in the Peach Bowl after the 1995 season under George Welsh.

A difficult ending in 2021

Virginia started the 2021 season with a 6-2 scoreline, a mark that includes impressive wins over Miami and Louisville. But the final stretch of the season wasn’t going well for the Cavaliers, having lost four games in a row, including a 29-24 home game against Virginia Tech on Nov. 27. Mendenhall’s only win Before the Hokies arrived in the 2019 season, it was a key one. The win knocked off the show’s 15-game losing streak against its state rival. Mendenhall noted Thursday that the show’s expectation now is to “win the state.”

Mendenhall’s decision to step down means both state power conference programs will undergo coaching changes in the same year. Virginia Tech announced the hiring of Penn State defensive coordinator Brent Pry this week to replace Justin Fuente. Coincidentally, both Fuente and Mendenhall’s tenures spanned six seasons.