BREAKING NEWS: “I Am Coming Back to Revive the Team and See Us Win Again,” Says Former Head Coach Bronco Mendenhall as He Returns to BYU as New Head Coach
In a stunning turn of events, Bronco Mendenhall, the former head coach of Brigham Young University’s football team, has announced that he is returning to lead the Cougars once again. This announcement has taken the college football world by surprise, as Mendenhall, who served as BYU’s head coach from 2005 to 2015, left the team at the height of his success to pursue a new chapter in his career with the University of Virginia. Now, after a brief hiatus, Mendenhall is coming back to BYU with a mission: to revive the football program and bring it back to prominence.
Mendenhall’s return is being hailed as a game-changer for BYU, a program that has struggled in recent years to regain its former glory. Under Mendenhall’s leadership, the Cougars experienced remarkable success, including multiple bowl appearances and a consistent ranking in the Top 25. Known for his disciplined approach, strong defensive schemes, and ability to develop players both on and off the field, Mendenhall built a foundation of excellence that fans and players alike still speak of with great admiration.
Mendenhall’s departure from BYU in 2015 to take the head coaching position at Virginia was a difficult moment for many. However, his tenure at Virginia proved to be a success as he revitalized the Cavaliers’ football program, leading them to new heights, including a trip to the Orange Bowl in 2021. Despite the success at Virginia, Mendenhall’s return to BYU signals a deep-rooted connection to the school and its football tradition that never quite left his heart.
“I am coming back to revive the team and see us win again,” Mendenhall said in his announcement. “BYU gave me an incredible opportunity, and I have always held the program and its fans in the highest regard. The Cougars deserve to be competitive on the national stage, and with hard work, discipline, and a renewed sense of pride, we can get back to winning the way we once did.”
The return of Mendenhall to BYU comes at a pivotal time for the program. In recent seasons, the Cougars have faced challenges in recruiting, consistency, and achieving the high standards they once set. While there have been flashes of promise, there has been a growing sense of frustration among fans and alumni who feel the program has not lived up to its potential in the modern landscape of college football. Mendenhall’s leadership could provide the stability and direction that the team has been lacking.
During his initial tenure at BYU, Mendenhall was known for his ability to motivate his players, instill a culture of discipline, and build a strong, cohesive team. His emphasis on developing strong defenses and his strategic approach to the game made BYU a competitive force in college football, particularly in a time when independent programs like BYU had to fight for recognition in a crowded landscape.
As Mendenhall takes the reins once more, the Cougar faithful will undoubtedly be filled with optimism about the future. His proven track record, both at BYU and Virginia, suggests that he is more than capable of reviving the team. And with the foundation of talent already in place at BYU, Mendenhall’s return could be the catalyst the program needs to return to national prominence.
Bronco Mendenhall’s decision to return is more than just a comeback—it’s a statement about his deep commitment to BYU and his belief in the potential of the program. Fans can now look forward to a new era of Cougar football, one that could very well see the team rise again to compete among the
nation’s best.