New Mexico coach Jason Eck agreed to a new five-year contract on Sunday after a nine-win season that represents the most in school history by a first-year coach.
Eck’s annual salary will increase to $1.75 million from $1.25 million, according to ESPN, in what is essentially a one-year extension through 2030.
New Mexico said the new deal replaces Eck’s original five-year contract signed in December 2024.
The Lobos went 9-3 overall and 6-2 in Mountain West play this season. It marks just the school’s third nine-win campaign this century. The 48-year-old Eck and New Mexico can the match the school-best number of victories — 10-1 in 1982 — with a bowl game win.
New Mexico recorded a 23-17 double-overtime victory over San Diego State on Saturday to tie for the Mountain West regular-season title with the Aztecs, Boise State and UNLV. Mountain West tiebreakers gave the conference championship game nods to Boise State and UNLV.
“Keeping Coach Eck at UNM was incredibly important to us,” New Mexico athletic director Fernando Lovo said in a news release. “What he has accomplished in such a short time is truly extraordinary.
“He brought belief back into our program, united our community, and raised the standard for what New Mexico Football can be. From attendance numbers we have not seen in more than twenty years, to competing for a Mountain West Championship after being picked eleventh in the preseason poll, to delivering our first win over a Big Ten opponent, to our student-athletes setting a record GPA in his first full semester, this season showed what is possible with the right leader in place.”
Eck’s deal also contains incentives for regular-season victories, conference championship appearances, postseason achievements, wins over ranked and Power 4 opponents and coaching awards. One of New Mexico’s victories this season was a 35-10 road rout of UCLA.
“My family and I immediately felt welcomed and supported by the Albuquerque community,” Eck said in a news release. “Our fans have been incredible. We love it here, and we believe New Mexico Football can be a perennial Mountain West contender.
“We are off to a great start, and we are excited to keep the momentum going by signing this contract extension. Lobo Up!”
Eck went 26-13 with three straight playoff berths in three seasons at FCS program Idaho before being hired by New Mexico.
–Field Level Media
