New Mexico fires coach Danny Gonzales after four seasons: Who will lead Lobos next?

New Mexico coach Danny Gonzales will not return for a fifth season, the school announced on Saturday. Here’s what you need to know:

• Gonzales, a New Mexico alum who was hired in 2020 after two years as Arizona State’s defensive coordinator, went 11-32 in four years at the helm in Albuquerque.
• The Lobos concluded a 4-8 season with a 44-41 loss to Utah State on Friday.
• Gonzales’ firing creates three coach openings in the Mountain West, with Boise State and San Diego State also looking for new coaches after Andy Avalos’ firing and Brady Hoke’s retirement.

GO DEEPER

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Who might the Lobos hire?

This is a really difficult job, without a winning season since 2016. Don’t be surprised if New Mexico emphasizes head coaching experience this time around. Some names that could get in the mix include former Texas Tech coach Matt Wells, former Virginia coach Bronco Mendenhall, former Boise State coach Bryan Harsin, and former TCU coach Gary Patterson. — Chris Vannini, senior CFB writer

(Photo: Loren Orr / Getty Images)

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