PROVO — The job description of a college football head coach generally goes well beyond the actual sport, often ranging from surrogate father to counselor and friend.

At BYU, the responsibility also can include Honor Code investigator, a position that can become in effect judge and jury. In the case of Bronco Mendenhall, It's a title that he deserves and carries out in a manner that best suits the university's interest.

Entering his 11th season as the BYU coach, Mendenhall has earned the right to direct the program as he sees fit in all aspects. And that includes meting out punishment or discipline when one of his players runs afoul of the university's Honor Code.

Adopted in its current rigid form in the 1960s, the Honor Code is a litany of rules apparently designed to protect the university's integrity. The high-profile sections are no premarital sex and no drinking alcohol or using drugs while also extending into dictating dress and grooming.

Given the nature of the stringent code, which varies from the outdated to some basic principles of the LDS faith, infractions are inevitable annually across campus. Instead of another governing body getting involved, in this case the Honor Code office, the university is best served by letting Mendenhall handle the situation with his players.

"I've been here a long time," he said.

"The best way I think it is, is when I know first when a player and I can work it out and make recommendations. I love that because our relationship is the closest and it gives me a great chance to care for a player through whatever accountability is necessary."

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BYU RB Williams withdraws from school, will redshirt 2015

BYU running back Jamaal Williams has withdrawn from school and plans to redshirt the 2015 season, the school announced Thursday morning.

The latest chapter of the Jamaal Williams saga best illustrates the proper use of Mendenhall's authority. Williams, a superb running back who has had prior disciplinary issues, recently withdrew from school and will miss this season but intends to return next year.

Without Mendenhall spearheading Williams' withdrawal, it's quite possible he would not plan to rejoin the Cougars for the 2016 season.

"It was my decision on Jamaal," Mendenhall said. "I love Jamaal. He will be back (and) absolutely will make the best of the situation. Our team loves him and I love him."

"The option for all parties was for him to withdraw and then we get him back," Mendenhall added. "It will work out just right."

For the sake of the football team, the Honor Code office should cede all power to Mendenhall, particularly involving the non-LDS athletes that he recruits. These athletes typically commit to BYU without fully grasping the different and sometimes difficult environment that awaits them, but they – and as importantly, their parents or guardians – grow to trust in Mendenhall through the relationships with him. If a problem arises, only Mendenhall is equipped to balance the university's and the player's best interests, especially for those who can't confide in an LDS bishop.

Part of the football team's mission, as the coach has often stated, is to use the sport as a means to bring exposure to the LDS Church. To maximize the opportunities for that exposure and maintain relevance as a non-Power 5 independent, BYU needs to recruit the best athletes possible regardless of religion. As part of successfully recruiting those athletes, they need to know Mendenhall will handle any necessary disciple rather than have the matter forwarded to strangers.

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