The University of New Mexico football team has been plagued by sudden roster changes since the start of this month, with two staff members — including Head Coach Bronco Mendenhall — and at least 11 players announcing their upcoming departures.
Mendenhall, along with offensive coordinator Jason Beck, quarterback Devon Dampier, wide receiver Luke Wysong, safety Bryson Taylor, running back Eli Sanders, edge Max Lantzsch, running back Javen Jacobs, cornerback Noah Avinger, tight end Everett Hunter, offensive lineman Wallace Unamba, tight end Trace Bruckler and wide receiver Caleb Medford all announced last week that they do not plan on returning next season.
Mendenhall accepted a head coaching position at Utah State University after just one year with the Lobos, according to ESPN.
The Albuquerque Journal broke the news of Mendenhall’s departure on Thursday, Dec. 5. At a press conference the day before, Mendenhall said he had not been contacted by another Mountain West school.
“I have only been speculated to have been contacted by (Utah State),” Mendenhall said at the press conference.
The former Brigham Young University coach has a history with Utah, having led the Cougars to a 99-43 record under his tenure with title and bowl appearances, according to USU.
Mendenhall was hired at UNM in December 2023, returning to Albuquerque after serving as the Lobos’ defensive coordinator from 1998-2002.
In May, Mendenhall signed a five-year $6 million deal that made him the highest-paid football coach in UNM history, according to the Albuquerque Journal.
UNM is entitled to $2 million for the early termination of his contract, according to KRQE, which Utah State could potentially cover.
This season, Mendenhall opened 0-4 before beating New Mexico State University 50-40, sparking hope among fans. The Lobos later clawed their way to victory against a ranked opponent, only to lose to Hawaii 30-38 at the end of November, eliminating UNM from bowl eligibility.
On Friday, Dec. 6, the University of Utah announced on X that UNM Offensive Coordinator Jason Beck will also leave the Lobos, accepting the same position in Utah.
As for the team’s roster, the Lobos are saying goodbye to UNM’s record-setting quarterback Devon Dampier, who announced on Dec. 5 that he would enter the transfer portal in the offseason.
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“After much consideration and conversations with my family and those closest to me, I have decided to enter the transfer portal,” Dampier wrote.
Dampier thrived under Mendenhall’s staff, breaking several UNM records in his first year as UNM’s starter.
According to ESPN, Dampier threw for 2,768 yards this season, which was the fifth most of any quarterback in the program’s history. Dampier saw an incredible season rushing as well, with 1,166 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns on the ground.
The retention woes don’t end there. The team suffered another blow on Dec. 6 with the announcement that wide receiver Luke Wysong would also enter the transfer portal.
Wysong was one of the Lobos' offensive weapons, leading the team with 69 receptions and 840 yards this season, according to ESPN.
Wysong also took to social media to express his gratitude for his time with the Lobos.
“I am forever grateful for everything that it’s taught me,” Wysong wrote on Instagram. “I will be entering the transfer portal to strive and reach my highest potential.”
There may be more trouble for the Lobos. On Dec. 6, running back Eli Sanders, edge Max Lantzsch and safety Bryson Taylor announced on social media that they would enter the transfer portal. On Dec. 7, tight end Everett Hunter, wide receiver Caleb Medford and running back Javen Jacobs made the same announcement. On Sunday, Dec. 8, tight end Trace Bruckler announced his plans to enter the transfer portal.
On Dec. 6, Athletic Director Fernando Lovo released a statement about Mendenhall’s departure.
“I shared with Bronco my disappointment, as for several weeks, President Stokes, the athletic administration and then I have engaged with Bronco and his representatives,” Lovo said. “Our search for a new head coach is already underway, and there is already significant interest from elite coaches who want to be a part of the Lobo family.”
With gaping holes left in the football team’s roster, the Lobos will load up this offseason and prepare for next season with a lookout for new staff and athletes.
Izabella Kubiak-Reseigh is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at sports@dailylobocom or on X @kubiakizabella
