The questionable future of head coach Bronco Mendenhall was on everyone's minds as BYU Football Media Day started.
BYU football head coach Bronco Mendenhall discusses the new contract extension carrying him through the 2016 season. Photo by Elliott Miller
Mendenhall's contract was scheduled to end on December 31 of this year, but he and the BYU administration have decided that he should stay at BYU a little longer.
'We've agreed to terms on a new contract that would take him through the 2016 season,' said athletic director Tom Holmoe.
Mendenhall said this contract extension feels more like a gateway to carry the Cougars to the best seasons they can have.
'I don't think it's an extension,' Mendenhall said, 'It's a new launch from an existing place.'
He said he wants this three-year extension to carry the team to be the best, to a national title.
'That is my ultimate goal on the field,' Mendenhall said.
In addition to the contract extension, Holmoe announced a new agreement between the Cougars and the USC Trojans. Three games have been agreed to, two in L.A. and one in Provo. The series will start in 2019.
'I know our fans will love that game,' Holmoe said.
The Cougars finished last year with a win at the Poinsettia Bowl, and in 2015 they will have the chance to repeat. BYU has accepted an invitation to play in the 2015 bowl, an agreement Mendenhall was particularly fond of.
'I had a great experience there ... I love the location, the water's right there, so there's a selfish motive there,' Mendenhall said.
Media Day continues all day Wednesday. Follow the Daily Universe sports desk on Twitter @DUSportsdesk for breaking tweets.