Danny Gonzales will not return as the head coach at New Mexico, the program announced Saturday.
“After careful consideration, I have reached the conclusion that our football program needs new leadership,” said AD Eddie Nuñez. “I want to thank Danny for his service to the University of New Mexico. Danny helped bring stability to our football program during a difficult time and played a big role in fostering a positive culture throughout our Department of Athletics. He truly cares about the University of New Mexico and all of our programs, and we are grateful for the lasting impact he has had on the student-athletes on our campus. Coach Gonzales will always be a Lobo for Life.”
A former New Mexico safety and punter, Gonzales returned to his alma mater in 2020 and never found his footing as a head coach. His four seasons went 2-5, 3-9, 2-10 and 4-8, concluding his tenure at 11-32 overall and 5-26 in Mountain West play. UNM wrapped up its season with a 44-41, double overtime loss to Utah State on Friday.
“While I’m disappointed, I will always appreciate and be grateful for the opportunity to return to The University of New Mexico and lead the football program as head coach,” said Gonzales. “I’m proud of the program we built and will always cheer on my alma mater in the future.”
New Mexico's next head coach, its 33rd in program history, will take over a program that's suffered seven losing seasons in a row, whose last seven head coaches left with losing records, and whose last conference championship came in 1964.
“We have already begun a national search to identify the next leader of our football program, and we will work quickly but most importantly as thoroughly as possible,” said Nuñez. “With the department’s standard of excellence, our strong fan support for Lobo Athletics, and our commitment to football, I am confident that we will find a tremendous coach to lead us into the future.”
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.