Last week, rumors circulated that University of New Mexico athletic director Eddie Nuñez was a favorite for a position in Houston. On Saturday afternoon, it was confirmed that Nuñez is heading to Texas.
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Last week, rumors began circulating when University of New Mexico athletic director Eddie Nuñez was named as the favorite for a position in Houston.
On Saturday afternoon, it was confirmed that Nuñez is going to Texas. KOB 4 spoke to some Lobo fans on Sunday about the news.
“Whenever something changes, there’s always good and there’s always bad. So, hopefully it’s for the better,” said Bryce Hammond, a Lobo fan. “I think he’s done a great job. I think he’s done a lot with the football program, as far as advertising and stuff, and with the Lobos basketball program. Nothing’s been worse than it was in the beginning, so I’d say he’s done a good job.”
Nuñez accepted a position as vice president of intercollegiate athletics at the University of Houston.
Some in the Lobo Nation have a wish list for the new AD.
“It would be nice if they could try to reintroduce some things into men’s soccer. Men’s soccer was a big deal at UNM. There were UNM players all over the MLS and it’s disappointing that that program was discontinued,” said Sean Hollister, a UNM graduate.
Nuñez’s newest addition, Lobo head coach Bronco Mendenhall, makes his debut next Saturday and Lobo fans are confident.
“Bronco Mendenhall will be good for UNM. It would be interesting to see if we can actually keep him for a long time. And I think UNM’s basketball programs are going in a good direction with Pitino as well. But I also don’t know if we can keep Pitino for a long time,” Hollister said.
Lobo Nation seems to welcome the change and is preparing to represent the Cherry and Silver teams.
During his career, UNM participated in 53 NCAA tournaments with various athletic teams and won 22 Mountain West Conference titles.
He also made some important hires, including head basketball coach Richard Pitino and track and field coach Darren Gauson.
Even though Mendenhall’s football season doesn’t begin until this Saturday, his signing was voted the best signing of the offseason by USA Today.
Aside from the attitudes and numbers, Nuñez also had a positive impact on many student-athletes and colleagues who discussed it on social media and wished him and his family luck.
His successor is not yet being worked on.
