Overview
- UNM formalized a five-year contract that replaces Eck’s original agreement and ties compensation to wins, postseason achievements, marquee opponents and coaching awards.
- The buyout for another school to hire Eck is $4 million through 2026, dropping to $2 million in 2027, $750,000 in 2028, $500,000 in 2029 and $300,000 in 2030.
- Eck was named Mountain West Coach of the Year, while his son, linebacker Jaxton Eck, earned Co-Defensive Player of the Year as UNM finished 9-3 and 6-2 in league play.
- Athletic director Fernando Lovo cited a sense of urgency to preserve momentum, with plans to boost the assistants’ salary pool as several one-year staff deals near expiration.
- The Lobos tied for first in the Mountain West but missed the title game on tiebreakers and now await a bowl bid with a chance at the program’s first 10-win season since 1982.