By Robert Weiler
Nearly two weeks of phone calls, interviews, rumors, uncertainty and questions came to an end on Monday for the BYU football team when Bronco Mendenhall was named the team?s 14th head coach.
?I am humbled, determined and ready to take this football program where it is supposed to be,? the 38-year-old Mendenhall said. ?Our goal is to be as exciting and as competitive as any team in the country.?
BYU associate athletic director Tom Holmoe said following the university?s efforts to hire Kyle Whittingham, the direction of the university turned inward, selecting the team?s defensive coordinator of two years over Lance Reynolds, who has been with the Cougars for 22 years.
?There?s a lot of rumors going around, and that?s what makes it quite a ride,? Reynolds said. ?You think one way and then you think another way. It?s a back and forth, up and down, real emotional ride. Coach Mendenhall and I spoke several times and we both were struggling. The whole process is frustrating and difficult, but it has to go on because the administration has to take the time they need to make a good decision.
Holmoe said the hire wasn?t official until 10 a.m. Monday morning when University President Cecil O. Samuelson announced the decision.?
Mendenhall said he will continue to call the defense in addition to his head coaching responsibilities. He also named Texas Tech offensive line coach Robert Anae as the team?s new offensive coordinator.
After three losing seasons and a number of off-field issues involving BYU?s Honor Code, Mendenhall said he understands the need to redirect BYU into a winning program with players who will adhere to the university?s requirements.
?My style promotes immediate results,? he said. ?I ask a lot of effort from my players and they can?t get it right if they?re not right inside.?
BYU quarterback John Beck said he didn?t know much about Anae?s offensive style, but was happy a decision had been made and is looking forward to working under Mendenhall?s high-energy coaching approach.
?He?s the most focused person I?ve ever met,? Beck said. ?I know how (intense) it is for the defense.?
Anae, a player during BYU?s 1984 national championship team and who described his offensive scheme as high-flying and fast-paced, said coaching for one?s alma mater is something every former player is interested in.
?We?re not out here trying to be second best,? Anae said of BYU?s future.
A native of Alpine, Mendenhall has spent the last 16 years as a defensive coordinator. At 38, he is the second-youngest head coach in Division I-A football.