Idaho's Jason Eck has made a significant career move by agreeing to become the head coach at New Mexico. This decision comes after his successful tenure at Idaho, where he led the team to three consecutive FCS playoff berths in just three seasons, amassing a record of 26-13. This season, Idaho went 10-4 but was unfortunately eliminated from the playoffs on Friday night against No. 1 seed Montana State with a score of 52-19. Prior to his time at Idaho, the Vandals had faced five consecutive losing seasons after dropping from the FBS to the FCS in 2018.

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Jason Eck's Coaching Journey

Eck is a former Wisconsin offensive lineman whose Vandals nearly caused an upset in the season opener against Oregon, the lone undefeated FBS program. Idaho was within just three points of the 45 1/2-point favorite Ducks midway through the fourth quarter before losing 24-14. The day after this game, Eck explained to The Athletic how the job of a head coach had changed significantly in just over two seasons. NIL had just become legal, and he witnessed players being recruited off his roster in a way that he hadn't expected. It's a challenging balancing act of doing right by the kids, as for some, the money involved is life-changing.Before taking on the role of head coach at Idaho, Eck had won the AFCA FCS Assistant Coach of the Year award for his work as the offensive coordinator at South Dakota State. Now, at New Mexico, he will replace Bronco Mendenhall, who left after one season to join Utah State. The Lobos had a 5-7 record this season, marking eight consecutive years with a losing record.

Success at Idaho and Beyond

During his time at Idaho, Eck demonstrated his coaching prowess by guiding the team to playoff berths and achieving a winning record. His ability to build a successful program is evident, and his 26 years of coaching experience will surely be an asset at New Mexico. He has faced the challenges of the changing college coaching landscape, including the impact of NIL, and has shown resilience in adapting to these changes.At South Dakota State, his work as an offensive coordinator earned him the prestigious AFCA FCS Assistant Coach of the Year award. This recognition highlights his skills in developing offensive strategies and working with players to achieve success. Now, he brings this experience and expertise to New Mexico, aiming to turn the Lobos' fortunes around and lead them to greater heights.

Looking Ahead at New Mexico

Eck's arrival at New Mexico marks a new chapter in the program's history. With his proven track record and leadership skills, he is expected to bring a fresh perspective and energy to the team. The Lobos have been struggling with losing records for several years, but Eck's appointment gives hope for a turnaround. He will face the task of rebuilding the team and instilling a winning culture, but his experience and determination make him well-suited for the challenge.As he steps into his new role, Eck will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the New Mexico football program. His leadership and coaching abilities will be crucial in helping the Lobos achieve success on the field and regain their competitive edge. With his background and achievements, he is poised to lead the team to new heights and bring pride back to the program.