Utah State football announced the hiring of Bronco Mendenhall on Friday to fill the position vacated by Blake Anderson before the 2024 season.

Mendenhall served as the head coach at New Mexico in 2024 after a two-year hiatus following his resignation at Virginia, where he spent 2016-21. He's the 31st coach in program history and signed a six-year contract, according to the announcement.

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The 58-year-old coach has Mountain West experience, as he twice won the conference championship in 2006 and 2007, also winning Mountain West Coach of the Year in 2006. Mendenhall and New Mexico finished with a 5-7 record in 2024.

"Bronco is one of the most experienced coaches in college football. His leadership, proven track record, and deep understanding of the game make him the ideal choice to elevate our program," Utah State athletic director Diana Sabau said in the announcement. "Bronco's success goes far beyond football. He has a deep connection and care for growing young men. His student-athletes are proven leaders. He has consistently built programs that emphasize character, discipline, and excellence in every aspect of their lives."

Mendenhall returns to his home state to coach the Aggies, as he hails from Alpine, Utah. Utah State's announcement also said the move allows for Mendenhall to be closer to his 93-year-old mother, Lenore Mendenhall, who's in Alpine.

Mendenhall boasts a 140-88 all-time record across head coaching stints at BYU, Virginia and New Mexico, leading the Cougars to a bowl game in each of his 11 seasons before being hired by the Cavaliers. He finished 36-38 in six seasons at Virginia, leading it to an Orange Bowl appearance in 2019.

The now-Utah State coach started his playing career at Snow College, a junior college in Ephraim, Utah, where he won a national championship as an All-American defensive back in 1985. He then transferred to Division I Oregon State, where he played two seasons before starting his coaching career as a graduate assistant for the Beavers.

Mendenhall will have his work cut out for him at Utah State, as the Aggies haven't had a winning season since 2021, when they finished 11-3 and won the LA Bowl over Oregon State.

"My passion is developing young people and transforming football programs to reach their full potential," Mendenhall said. "Utah State provides a great opportunity to do both and allows a family focus that is essential to me and Holly. We look forward to adding to Utah State's rich tradition and striving for football excellence."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Utah State football hires Bronco Mendenhall as next head coach