Bronco is top dog for BYU

Bronco is top dog for BYU


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PROVO — Almost from the moment he was promoted to head coach at BYU, Bronco Mendenhall spoke occasionally about his future, acknowledging that the fit wasn’t for the long term.

And when Mendenhall preferred to sign a shorter deal, speculation grew that he would stay true to his forecast. It turns out that prediction was wrong.

The phrase “position mastery” is here to stay for a while.

Recognizing that his feelings have changed over the last year or two, Mendenhall strongly desires to be a part of BYU’s football future. All Cougar fans worldwide should shout for joy.

Bronco is top dog for BYU

Nine years into his tenure, Mendenhall is the right man for the job.

“I really didn’t think I’d be coaching this long,” Mendenhall said during a recent radio interview with DJ and PK on The Zone Sports Network (97.5-FM and 1280-AM).

Yet, here he is, approaching age 50, and showing no signs of hanging up the whistle. The father of three sons, Mendenhall has settled into a routine with his family. There's no overnighters in the office for this coaching staff.

“I can’t put a definite timetable on how long (I'll stay), but I can say that I’m looking forward to continuing and would like to continue,” Mendenhall said.

Instead of pondering retirement or moving on to another job, Mendenhall talks of bringing BYU a second national championship. As crazy as it sounds — who can imagine BYU beating the likes of Alabama in the title game? — Mendenhall actually envisions the seemingly impossible.

Move over, Notre Dame, there’s a new independent in town.

“I’m more determined than ever I think to help this program reach elite status in the world of college football,” Mendenhall said. “I’m passionate about a national championship. I do think it’s possible. I would love to see that happen not only for the church but for this institution. With some of the recent (coaching) changes that I’ve made, which were very, very difficult, I’d like to see the program continue to improve.”


I'm passionate about a national championship. I do think it's possible.

–- Bronco Mendenhall


Ranking the things BYU football needs, coaching stability belongs right next to talented players. Considering that Mendenhall has overhauled the offensive staff and fired a defensive coordinator in mid-season over the last three years, the program can’t afford more change.

The point is, Mendenhall didn’t dump all the offensive coaches this past offseason to only beat a slew of patsies.

As the program enters the most difficult phase of being an independent, it needs strong leadership at the top. Mendenhall’s track record proves he belongs as the leader.

In December 2004, he took over a program that was in shambles. He turned it around almost immediately, creating a clear direction for the players to follow.

Bronco is top dog for BYU

In a different way, BYU football also is at a crossroads. The time is now to chart the course as an independent.

Although the Cougars left the Mountain West two years ago, the last two seasons were not representative of an independent future. As athletic director Tom Holmoe indicated, he needed two years to build up a good football schedule.

True to his word, Holmoe came through with a dynamic slate of opponents for the 2013 season. Say goodbye to New Mexico State and Idaho State in November and say hello to Wisconsin and Notre Dame.

In a real sense, the fortunes of BYU as an independent begin this season. If the program falls flat over the next 2-3 years, then it’s time for the administration to reconsider rejoining the Mountain West or to apply to some other conference.

But if the Cougars flourish, then this independent thing will be more than just a passing fad. And for those who thought so, it would no longer be valid to think BYU made a rash decision in reaction to rival Utah hitting the jackpot with an invitation to the Pac-12.

“We’re capable of having great success,” Mendenhall. “I know it’s possible. More important than that, it’s expected.”

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Patrick Kinahan

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