The University of New Mexico has announced the appointment of Jason Eck as the new head coach of its football program. Eck, who previously led the University of Idaho to notable achievements, including a national ranking and consecutive FCS playoff appearances, is viewed as a transformative figure for the Lobos.
Vice President and Director of Athletics Fernando Lovo expressed enthusiasm about Eck’s hiring, stating, “I am thrilled to have Jason Eck as our next head football coach. Jason has led Idaho to tremendous success, turning around the program and building upon that success year after year, through recruiting, teaching, and a strong culture.” Lovo noted Eck’s extensive background in winning programs at all levels of college football and highlighted his commitment to ensuring the success and well-being of student-athletes.
With 26 years of coaching experience across FBS, FCS, and Division II levels, Eck brings a wealth of knowledge to New Mexico. Under his leadership, the Idaho Vandals saw a remarkable turnaround, achieving playoff berths in all three seasons he coached. In stark contrast to the previous 22 years, which included only two winning seasons, Eck’s tenure at Idaho resulted in increased win totals each year.
In his own words, Eck expressed his gratitude for the opportunity: “I want to thank President Stokes, Vice President and Director of Athletics Fernando Lovo, and everyone involved with the search process. I am truly humbled to be selected as the head coach of the New Mexico Lobos.” He emphasized his commitment to serving the university community, students, alumni, and the greater Albuquerque area, stating, “We will have tremendous coaches and support staff to develop our student-athletes into elite athletes and UNM graduates.” Eck and his family are eager to embrace the Albuquerque community.
President Garnett S. Stokes welcomed Eck and his family, underscoring his vision for the program: “Jason is a visionary leader who puts the student-athlete first, and his teams have always enjoyed tremendous success on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.” She also extended a warm welcome to Eck’s wife, Kimberly, and their five children—Quinton, Jaxton, Palmer, Maverick, and Lola.
Eck’s accomplishments at Idaho speak for themselves. In 2024, he faced the challenge of reloading the roster after the departure of his starting quarterback and a significant portion of his receiving corps to graduation or the transfer portal. Notably, he guided Idaho to a 10-4 record, marking a second consecutive quarterfinal appearance in the FCS playoffs. The Vandals showcased their competitive spirit, nearly upsetting the currently undefeated No. 1 Oregon in a close 24-14 game. After that, Eck directed Idaho to victory over Wyoming and a series of five consecutive wins to finish the regular season strong.
The Vandals had previously enjoyed a successful 2023 season, finishing with a 9-4 record and a 6-2 standing in the Big Sky Conference. Led by quarterback Gevani McCoy, the Vandals distinguished themselves by achieving a 4-2 record against ranked opponents and advancing to the FCS quarterfinals. Idaho gained recognition in various statistical categories, finishing ranked in the top 20 for passing efficiency, scoring offense, total defense, and several special teams metrics.
During Eck’s first season with Idaho in 2022, he guided the Vandals to a 7-5 overall record and a commendable 6-2 mark in the Big Sky Conference, securing third place. Highlights from that season included notable victories over No. 3 Montana, marking the program’s first win over the team since 1999, and a significant leap in offensive performance, as the team broke the 40-point mark five times. The Vandals qualified for the postseason for the first time since the 2016 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, marking only the fourth time since 1995 that the program reached the FCS playoffs.
Eck’s leadership resulted in notable individual performances as well, with 16 First Team All-Big Sky players, 12 Second Team All-Big Sky players, and 16 Honorable Mention All-Big Sky players during his three seasons at Idaho. Star quarterback Gevani McCoy, under Eck’s guidance, threw for 2,725 yards and 27 touchdowns, reinforcing the offensive prowess showcased during his tenure.
Prior to his successful stint at Idaho, Eck was an influential coach at South Dakota State, where he served six seasons, including three as offensive coordinator. His efforts contributed significantly to the Jackrabbits’ success, leading them to three FCS playoff semifinal appearances and a national championship game appearance in the spring 2021 season. Under his offensive coordination, the team averaged 32.5 points per game across three seasons, demonstrating considerable performance in multiple offensive metrics.
Eck’s coaching career has spanned multiple institutions, including a noteworthy position at Montana State where his efforts produced a strong rushing attack. He also garnered recognition for his offensive strategies during his time at Minnesota State, Mankato, helping the team to two Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference championships in 2013 and 2014.
A 1999 graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Eck played on the Badgers’ Big Ten Championship team, which captured the Rose Bowl. After completing his playing career, he began coaching as a graduate assistant at Wisconsin under the legendary Barry Alvarez, eventually moving to Colorado before embarking on his successful career in various capacities across collegiate programs.
Eck and his wife, Kimberly, actively engage in their community, with Kimberly serving on the Board of Directors of the American Football Coaches Wives Association. As they prepare to settle into Albuquerque, the Eck family is poised to bring a renewed spirit to the University of New Mexico football program, and their commitment to fostering student-athlete success and community engagement will be pivotal in this new chapter.