Bronco Mendenhall apparently wanted a seat at the Power 5 table.
Despite having a pretty good job at BYU, Bronco Mendenhall wanted the opportunity to pursue the College Football Playoffs, and becoming the head coach at Virginia, in the ACC, gives him that opportunity.
Bronco Mendenhall receives a 5-year contract at Virginia, starting at $3.25 million/year
— Brett McMurphy (@McMurphyESPN) December 4, 2015
#UVA announces Bronco Mendenhall (@Bronco_BYU) as Hoos new head football coach. #GoHoos https://t.co/iHgWtantz4 pic.twitter.com/7m0onV4vWa
— Virginia Football (@UVa_Football) December 4, 2015
Mendenhall spent 11 seasons at BYU, where he was 99-42, posting the 12th-best record among all FBS teams during his tenure, according to USA Today.
Mendenhall will coach the Cougars in their upcoming bowl game, BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe confirmed.
Bronco Mendenhall’s teams have consistently won at a high level and he’s demonstrated the ability to create a strategic vision to build a program and then implement his plan to be successful. His emphasis on the overall development of student athletes and a commitment to academic achievement is in line with our goals of Uncompromised Excellence. We’re excited to begin a new era of Virginia football and support Bronco and his staff.
Virginia also interviewed Mark Richt, who subsequently took the Virginia job.