Bronco Mendenhall to step down at UVA

Submitted by Blueisgood on December 2nd, 2021 at 6:59 PM

To add to the coaching turnover this year, UVA is on the hunt now.

https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/32772659/bronco-mendenhall-steps-virginia-cavaliers-football-coach?platform=amp

mrgate3

December 2nd, 2021 at 7:16 PM ^

Two thoughts: he wasn't exactly shitting the bed in Charlottesville, I wonder if there's another angle here like a sick family member or something; and dear Lord in heaven, please keep this Michigan staff together, every last one of 'em, for at least a few seasons.

Joined: 06/25/2018

MGoPoints: 2304

LSAClassOf2000

December 2nd, 2021 at 8:27 PM ^

I had seen the statement on Virginia football's site first a few hours ago, and it had nothing from Mendenhall himself, so the whole thing initially seemed sudden and very cryptic, but it makes much more sense after seeing the clip and the ESPN piece. In that event, hopefully he gets the rest and reinvigoration that he seeks. 

Joined: 01/07/2011

MGoPoints: 130636

Carcajou

December 2nd, 2021 at 8:38 PM ^

I think Gattis's public comment about Ohio State being soft was an indicator that he probably won't be around to deal with the consequences of what is a hugely motivational billboard quote for them, and signaling that if he gets a HC job, he will stress physicality.

Joined: 02/26/2009

MGoPoints: 5792

Angry-Dad

December 2nd, 2021 at 9:14 PM ^

Virginia has a ton of potential.  High academic school with tons of cash.  Talent rich recruiting area (tidewater, NOVA, DC, Maryland subs.)  No reason they cannot be successful.  Go get the dude from Coastal Caroline and get that program rolling. 

Joined: 01/27/2021

MGoPoints: 11616

Qmatic

December 2nd, 2021 at 9:47 PM ^

Great academic school, growing area, nice campus, but terrible facilities. In the ACC there is no reason they can’t be at the upper tier of that conference. Probably should get Chadwell and see how that goes.

Hope Mendenhall takes care of himself. Seems like a solid dude, never have heard anything negative about him. Always thought leaving BYU for UVA was a bit of an odd move 

Joined: 01/09/2013

MGoPoints: 32780

MaizeAndBlueWahoo

December 2nd, 2021 at 11:41 PM ^

Bronco's a little bit of an odd guy.  He's not the high-functioning insane workaholic that most coaches are.  He insists that Sundays be a full-blown day off outside of injury treatment and all but kicks his assistants out of the office at quitting time.  Much bigger on recharging and family time than he is on setting up cots at the football building.  He usually spends those days off surfing or motorcycling and is in real life one of the most introverted dudes in the whole sport.  And after the initial shock of him leaving, it makes sense.  He left BYU because he basically thought he was in too much of a rut and because the UVA job - and specifically the UVA job - came open.  And it's completely within character to leave now, if he felt like he needed a bigger recharge than just Sundays to do the job right.

Joined: 07/02/2008

MGoPoints: 41586