After 23 years as an assistant coach, 12 different head coaches, and multiple firings, Jason Eck has engineered a remarkable turnaround at the University of New Mexico. The Lobos, who had two winning seasons in the previous 17 years, are 7-1 and ranked in the AP Top 25 for the first time in school history under Eck's leadership.
From Christmas Eve Firing to Head Coach
Eck's journey includes a low point on Christmas Eve 2010 when he was fired from Ball State while his wife Kimberly went into labor with their son Palmer. The family endured financial strain, frequent moves, and a stint where Eck maintained golf course equipment at Western Illinois. He nearly left coaching for a sales job at FieldTurf before landing at Minnesota State, where his offense reached the Division II national championship game.
Stability at South Dakota State and Idaho
Eck found stability at South Dakota State under John Stiegelmeier, earning FCS assistant coach of the year in 2019. He became head coach at Idaho in 2021, leading the Vandals to three straight FCS playoff appearances and a 26-13 record. His son Jaxton became an All-Big Sky linebacker there.
New Mexico Revival
Eck took the New Mexico job in December 2024, citing the passionate basketball crowds at The Pit, conference realignment, and athletic director Fernando Lovo. The Lobos went 9-4 in his first season, routing UCLA 35-10 at the Rose Bowl and reaching a bowl game for the first time since 2016. This season, despite injuries to quarterback Jack Layne and linebacker Jaxton Eck, New Mexico is 7-1 with the nation's top defense (11.9 points allowed per game) and a plus-17 turnover margin.
Family Culture and Future Speculation
Eck's personable approach, including knowing players' families and viral sideline antics, has built a strong culture. His son Jaxton turned down NIL offers of $600,000-$700,000 to stay. With four major college jobs open, Eck's name appears on candidate lists, but he insists on focusing on the season. His buyout is $4 million, reduced to $2 million if he leaves for a job not following Lovo to Colorado. The Lobos face Nevada on Friday with a 5.3% CFP chance per CBS Sports projections.
