University of Virginia head football coach Bronco Mendenhall has transformed the Cavaliers from a two-win program into an ACC Coastal Division Champion and a New Year's Six bowl participant since his arrival in Charlottesville. Mendenhall, who joined the program for the 2016 season, has implemented a philosophy centered on the concept of "AND," prioritizing the complete development of student-athletes alongside competitive victory.
A Philosophy of Balanced Development
Mendenhall arrived at Virginia following an 11-year tenure at Brigham Young University, where he maintained a 99-43 record. His transition to the University of Virginia was marked by a vision for a significant renovation project and a commitment to a strategic approach to growth. According to Virginia Athletics, Mendenhall's pursuit of "unbroken growth" focuses on learning and improving through specialized tools, frameworks, and innovation to deliver consistent results.
The "AND" Principle
The cornerstone of Mendenhall's leadership is the principle of balance, which he summarizes with the word "AND." He has frequently stated that his goal is to develop both great athletes and great students, a mission he began emphasizing at his introductory press conference. This approach is built on the belief that football serves as a vehicle for personal development.
"I think decisions are made based on principle, and I think principles are governed by beliefs," Mendenhall said. "AND is one of our guiding principles, and that is based on my belief that football is a vehicle to develop people." He has maintained this stance throughout his tenure, insisting that winning and personal development are not mutually exclusive but rather go hand-in-hand.
Proven On-Field Success
Mendenhall's coaching record reflects his ability to achieve success while maintaining his unconventional philosophy. By the conclusion of the 2020 season, his career record stood at 129-75. His 129 victories rank 12th all-time in Division I, while his winning percentage of .632 ranks ninth among active Division I coaches with at least 100 career wins. He also holds seven career bowl victories, ranking 12th among active coaches and 36th all-time.
Notably, Mendenhall is one of only two active coaches who have inherited at least two programs coming off losing seasons and successfully led them to bowl games within their first or second year. The only other coach to achieve this feat is Nick Saban. During his time at Virginia, Mendenhall's teams have achieved consistent on-field progression, moving from two wins to six, then eight, and then nine wins prior to the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.
Academic and Individual Excellence
The impact of Mendenhall's program extends into the classroom and the local community. In 2019, the program saw a historic high with 10 players earning ACC All-Academic team honors. This academic success continued in 2020, when seven players earned ACC All-Academic honors and a total of 34 Cavaliers received ACC Honor Roll distinctions.
Individual accolades have also highlighted the program's success. In 2019, linebacker Jordan Mack was named the ACC's Jim Tatum Award winner as the league's top football scholar-athlete and was a finalist for the William B. Campbell Trophy. Additionally, former linebacker Micah Kiser, who is now a member of the Los Angeles Rams, won the award in 2017.
Community and Character
Community engagement has become a central pillar of the Virginia football program under Mendenhall. The team's "Thursday's Heroes" program, which honors individuals across Virginia facing personal adversity, was recognized by the ACC with the "Game Changers" award in 2020. This award highlights specific conference teams for their involvement in local communities.
Players also participate in regular community outreach, including visiting the University's Children's Medical Center and speaking at local elementary schools. Mendenhall has stated that his desire for the program is for every player to have an "amazing life," emphasizing that winning without personal growth would be hollow to him.
Legacy and Leadership
Mendenhall's influence is further evidenced by his academic and professional contributions to the coaching community. He collaborated with authors Alyson Von Feldt and Paul Gustavson to write "Running Into the Wind: Bronco Mendenhall — 5 Strategies for Building a Successful Team," a book that outlines the steps taken during his first coaching position. The book has been integrated into several freshman class reading syllabuses at the University of Virginia.
Beyond his writing, Mendenhall has provided feature articles to the American Football Coaches Association and has presented his methodologies at various national coaching clinics. His office reflects his personal priorities, containing artifacts from his journey and items that highlight the importance of family rather than just coaching accolades.
Future Outlook
As the program continues its trajectory, Mendenhall remains focused on his dual mission of championship contention and character development. His approach, while described as unconventional in the world of high-stakes college football, has established a standard of growth and excellence at the University of Virginia.
