New Mexico Football: Bryant Vincent Named Offensive Coordinator
The former interim head coach at UAB finds a home in the Land of Enchantment and will be tasked with reviving a moribund Lobos offense.
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An important addition.
After a trying 2022 season in which the offense ranked dead last among all FBS teams in points per drive and available yards percentage earned per drive, the New Mexico Lobos are turning to former UAB interim head coach Bryant Vincent as offensive coordinator, confirming rumors first reported on December 21 by Matt Zenitz of On3.com.
Vincent took the helm in Birmingham this past June after predecessor Bill Clark chose to retire because of medical issues, leading the Blazers to a 7-6 record this season. It was thought that he would have the interim label removed after shepherding UAB to its fifth bowl in six years, a Bahamas Bowl victory over Miami of Ohio last week, but he was passed over in favor of former Fresno State quarterback Trent Dilfer, a move which prompted disapproval from the team’s players in the form of a letter to university president Ray Watts.
After previously serving as UAB’s offensive coordinator in 2014, Vincent spent three years on staff at South Alabama and then became a key part of the Blazers’ revival after coming back on board in the same capacity in 2018. By offensive SP+, his unit improved from 108th and 118th in 2018-19 to 92nd, 48th and, before the recent Bahamas Bowl, 75th.
The Blazers leaned heavily on running back DeWayne McBride in 2022, who finished his season as the nation’s leading rusher with 1,713 yards and 19 touchdowns on the ground. Additionally, Dylan Hopkins finished second among Conference USA quarterbacks by passer rating in each of the past two seasons.
He’ll take over a role previously occupied by Derek Warehime, who was dismissed in October, and Heath Ridenour, who served as quarterbacks coach before being elevated to interim coordinator following Warehime’s departure.
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