BYU, Bronco Mendenhall agree to contract extension through 2016

Bronco Mendenhall has led BYU to eight consecutive bowl games, including four straight wins. (Ray Carlin/Icon SMI) By Zac Ellis BYU and head coach Bronco

Bronco Mendenhall has led BYU to eight consecutive bowl games, including four straight wins. (Ray Carlin/Icon SMI)

By Zac Ellis

BYU and head coach Bronco Mendenhall have agreed to a contract extension that will keep the coach in Provo through 2016, the school announced Wednesday.

“BYU is a special place and this is a special time,” Mendenhall said. “I’m excited to build on the success of our program over past eight years, and I think there's much more that we can accomplish at BYU.”

Mendenhall's previous deal was set to expire before this coming season, but the school was expected to extend the coach's contract.

“I am thrilled to have Bronco signed as our head football coach through the 2016 season,” said BYU director of athletics Tom Holmoe. “Over the past eight seasons, his leadership has guided our football program back to national prominence through top-25 rankings, bowl victories, All-American athletes and overall excitement at LaVell Edwards Stadium. I look forward to what the next four years will bring with the new era of BYU football.”

The Cougars went 14-21 without a bowl appearance in the three seasons before Mendenhall took over as head coach in 2005. Since then, BYU ranks 12th nationally in total wins and has managed eight consecutive bowl appearances. The Cougars have earned a Top 25 ranking in all but one of the past eight seasons, including five times at season's end.