Danny Gonzales: UNM's need for 'new voice' led to coaching change

Nov. 7—After dismissing special teams coordinator Jamie Christian on Monday, New Mexico head coach Danny Gonzales said the program needed a "new voice" to lead their special teams unit.

Gonzales said the decision to fire Christian was made Sunday after UNM (3-6, 1-4) allowed 161 yards on punt returns and a 46-yard kick return in a 56-14 loss to UNLV on Saturday. The Lobos have now allowed an FBS-worst eight punt returns for 20-plus yards.

"I think we've struggled a lot in the return game this year, obviously, and I thought it was time for a different voice," Gonzales said. "I mean, Jamie Christian did a great job. He came here with my inaugural staff, worked his tail off for this place. I think Jamie Christian's a good coach. I just think we need to go (in) a different direction in that aspect of our football team."

Gonzales said he consulted a 19-player "leadership committee" before making the decision.

"Everything goes through them," Gonzales added. "So I talked to them about it first, and then I talked to our entire team. Then they have the opportunity to come talk to me if they need to."

Now, without a full-time coordinator on staff, Gonzales said every staff member, with the exception of defensive line coach Jerome Haywood and offensive line coach Cam Blankenship, will continue to play a role in helping coach different facets of UMN's special teams unit. A special teams coordinator at UNM from 2006-08, Gonzales added this is a style of coaching he's done in the past.

"There's a 100 different ways to skin a cat," Gonzales added. "And we did some good things over the last couple days."

A glance at Boise State

An already out-of-character season for preseason Mountain West favorite Boise State (4-5, 3-2) took on a new depth Monday, when head coach Andy Avalos announced that wide receiver Eric McAlister made the decision to enter the transfer portal after a 37-30 loss to Fresno State.

McAlister led the team in receptions (47), receiving yards (873) and touchdowns (5). Excluding running back Ashton Jeanty, only one other receiver on Boise State's roster has more than 20 catches this season; no other receiver has more than 241 yards.

Gonzales, however, made it clear that McAlister's absence wouldn't change much for UNM.

"They'll put (wide receiver Prince Strachan) or they'll put (running back Jambres Dunbar) at that spot, and they'll run the same offense," he said. "When he's not in the game, they don't change. Obviously, he's a really good player. Schematically, they won't change."

And when healthy, Boise State boasts the best backfield tandem in the league with running back George Holani (49 carries, 205 yards, one touchdown) and Jeanty (157 carries, 957 yards, 11 touchdowns). Jeanty missed the Broncos' game at Fresno State with a lower-body injury suffered in a 32-7 win over Wyoming on Oct. 28, while Holani (19 carries, 79 yards against Fresno) is still returning from an ankle injury that's held him out for much of the season.

Gonzales said they'll prepare as if both will be available as they vie for UNM's second-ever win over Boise State on Saturday.

"I've been up in November when it's freezing and terrible up there," he said. "So, we practiced outside in the stadium today — where it was obviously significantly warmer. We'll practice outside tomorrow on Wednesday and then we'll travel up there Friday. It's always fun to play in that stadium.

"It'll be a great atmosphere — the aura of the blue turf and all that stuff. Obviously, in 2015, New Mexico went up there, (got) the only win against Boise State in unbelievable fashion. So we're excited to go up there as a big underdog and take on Boise State."

Boise State plays in Albertsons Stadium. The weather at kickoff should be around 38 degrees with partly cloudy skies.

Injury update

After missing his third straight game, Gonzales said safety Tavian Combs (knee) did some pre-practice work on Tuesday but his status for Saturday's game remains unclear.

"We'll have a better idea on Thursday ... I mean, it would be a great boost if we could get Tavian back, but if Tavian can't go full speed, it's better to have (freshman safety Dereck Moore) out there," Gonzales added. "Tavian, he's the ultimate competitor. And he is as frustrated as they can be."

Further, Gonzales said wide receiver Duece Jones "wasn't available" for Saturday's game against UNLV but practiced Tuesday and is expected to play against Boise State.

Raising awareness

Gonzales opened Tuesday's press conference by bringing awareness to the Robert Cason Anderson Mental Health and Wellness Fund, a nonprofit established and operated by Utah State University. The fund is named for Robert Cason Anderson, who killed himself on Feb. 28, 2022.

Cason, the son of Utah State head coach and former New Mexico assistant Blake Anderson, would've celebrated his 23rd birthday on Tuesday. In light of the occasion and his close friendship with Anderson, Gonzales briefly paid tribute to the Anderson family and recognized the importance of mental health awareness.

"The mental health awareness, the opportunity to spread that out, that people, sometimes they need help," Gonzales said. "And sometimes we don't see it. Blake has a great foundation to help anybody that has struggles. So don't be afraid to ask questions and don't be afraid to ask people for help.

"Because Cason is a great young man. He's not suffering anymore and I know today would be really hard for a parent. So, just prayers and blessings to Blake."