Coach's style fits his name

PROVO — So what, they couldn't find anyone named Spike?

There were no football coaches out there named Crusher, Slam, Buzz or Biff?

BYU introduced Bronco Mendenhall as its head football coach, Monday, which ended two weeks of speculation. His style fits the name. He's one tough cowboy. Just ask anyone who has played on his defenses. Better yet, ask any of the horses he's tamed.

Anyone who coaches in shorts when it's below freezing should be named Bronco.

Either that or Psycho.

As Mendenhall puts it, with a name like Bronco, "What other career options do you have."

In choosing Mendenhall over 22-year BYU veteran Lance Reynolds, the school made a clear style choice. It selected the guy who makes you want to run through a brick wall, not scratch your chin. It took the guy most likely to lead a rally, not an encounter group.

It chose the guy BYU donors are more likely to rally behind.

Nothing brings in money like someone who can rattle a good saber.

"I fully understand what the expectation is," Mendenhall said. "What I expect to happen now is through extreme demand, through exact accountability, through performance expectations that are consistent every day, there will be an execution that will happen with this football team that will result in us being what we're supposed to be. That means (being) dominant in the Mountain West Conference. That means performing at a national level on a consistent basis. That's the charge that I have."

Is that all?

What about taking over Canada?

Mendenhall's introduction at Cougar Stadium was nothing short of Broncoesque. The guy who grew up training horses with his father spoke of winning. He talked about BYU's tradition. He looked the epitome of a man with a plan. If he were an Army recruiter, I'd be wearing camouflage right now. If he were a car salesman, I'd be driving something I couldn't afford. If he were my math teacher, I'd be studying until 3 a.m. If he were my dad, let's just say I wouldn't break curfew.

Two weeks after BYU fired Gary Crowton, the Cougars finally picked a coach. He wasn't their first choice. The school contacted Philadelphia Eagles' head coach Andy Reid, to no avail. It offered the job to former BYU linebacker Kyle Whittingham, who instead went to Utah.

So the race came down to Mendenhall and Reynolds.

Even then, it wasn't a slam-dunk. Mendenhall may have had more sizzle, but Reynolds had a slew of references. Numerous former Cougar stars lined up to endorse Reynolds, who is regarded as a knowledgeable coach with a measured approach. Mendenhall is more of a drill sergeant.