The landscape of college football coaching is perpetually in flux, with assistant coaches from prominent programs like the University of Alabama often being prime candidates for head coaching positions across various conferences. Recent developments have spotlighted several former Alabama assistants who have ascended to head coaching roles within the Mountain West Conference (MWC).
Bronco Mendenhall at Utah State University
In December 2024, Utah State University announced the hiring of Bronco Mendenhall as their 31st head football coach. Mendenhall, an Alpine, Utah native, brought with him a wealth of experience, having previously served as the head coach at the University of New Mexico, the University of Virginia, and Brigham Young University (BYU). During his tenure at BYU, Mendenhall led the Cougars to two Mountain West Conference championships and was named the Mountain West Coach of the Year in 2006. His overall head coaching record stands at an impressive 140-88, with more than 60 of his former players signing contracts to play in the NFL. Mendenhall’s return to Utah State is seen as a strategic move to elevate the Aggies’ football program, emphasizing character, discipline, and excellence both on and off the field.
Del Alexander’s Interim Role at UNLV
Around the same time, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) appointed Del Alexander as the interim head coach for their football program. Alexander, who had been serving as UNLV’s wide receivers coach, stepped into the interim role following the departure of the previous head coach. His coaching journey includes stints at prestigious programs such as Notre Dame, Arizona State, and Wisconsin, contributing to teams that made multiple bowl appearances, including College Football Playoff berths. Alexander’s immediate task was to lead the Rebels in the Art of Sport LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk on December 18, 2024, against the University of California.
Dan Mullen’s Potential Move to UNLV
In a related development, reports emerged in December 2024 indicating that UNLV was in discussions to hire Dan Mullen as their next head coach. Mullen, formerly the head coach at Mississippi State and the University of Florida, boasts a 103-61 record over 13 seasons in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Since his departure from Florida in 2021, Mullen has been working as a college football analyst for ESPN. His potential hiring at UNLV is viewed as a significant move, aiming to build upon the Rebels’ successful 10-3 season in 2024 and to position the team for future prominence within the Mountain West Conference.
Robert Bala’s Consideration at Western Michigan
While not directly within the Mountain West Conference, it’s noteworthy that Robert Bala, a former Alabama assistant, emerged as a key figure in discussions for the defensive coordinator position at Western Michigan University. Bala served on Nick Saban’s final Alabama staff as the inside linebackers coach and has previous coaching experience in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders, as well as collegiate stints at Southern Utah and various junior college programs. His expertise in coaching linebackers and the secondary made him a strong candidate for the role at Western Michigan.
The Impact of Alabama’s Coaching Tree
The University of Alabama’s football program, under the leadership of head coach Nick Saban, has been a fertile ground for developing coaching talent. Assistant coaches who have worked under Saban often find themselves in high demand for head coaching positions across the country. This trend underscores the significant influence of Alabama’s coaching methodologies and the high regard in which its coaching alumni are held within the collegiate football landscape.