Mike Mendenhall joined the NCCU staff in 2011 as linebackers coach and special teams assistant. He was promoted to special teams coordinator prior to the 2012 season.
Mendenhall came to NCCU following two seasons as a graduate assistant coach at the University of New Mexico, where he worked with special teams and linebackers.
He spent the two previous seasons (2007-08) coaching the defensive line and tight ends at his high school alma mater in Paulsboro, N.J., after beginning his coaching career as a student assistant at Temple, his college alma mater.
Mendenhall was a four-year starter for the Owls (2002-05), starting 33 games as a defensive end. He was a first team all-Big East pick as a junior in 2004. As a senior in 2005, Mendenhall was a preseason honorable mention All-America and on the Watch List for the Lombardi Award (top lineman).
He went on to appear in one preseason game for the Chicago Bears in 2006. In 2007, he played middle linebacker for the Berlin Thunder in NFL Europe.
Mendenhall received his bachelor's degree in business administration and accounting from Temple in 2008.
A CLOSER LOOK...
Prior to NCCU, Mendenhall spent two seasons at the University of New Mexico as a graduate assistant, specifically helping Toby Neinas with the Lobo special teams and linebackers.
Mendenhall (no relation to BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall), spent the previous two seasons coaching the defensive line and tight ends at his high school alma mater in Paulsboro, N.J. Paulsboro High went 9-1 that year and won the Colonial Conference title. Mendenhall was also assistant wrestling coach in 2007, leading the team to an 18-3 dual record.
Prior to Paulsboro, Mendenhall spent the 2006 season as a student assistant at Temple, his college alma mater. Mendenhall was a four-year starter for the Owls from 2002-05. He started 33 games at defensive end, including 24 straight during one stretch. Mendenhall was a first team all-Big East pick as a junior in 2004 and he received Temple's J. Myron Honigman Award for spirit, dedication and loyalty. As a senior in 2005, Mendenhall was a preseason honorable mention All-America and on the Watch List for the Lombardi Award (top lineman). He finished the year with 65 tackles, 7 sacks and 14 tackles for loss.
Mendenhall played in one preseason game for the Chicago Bears in 2006. In 2007, he played middle linebacker for the Berlin Thunder in NFL Europe. Mendenhall started all 10 games and made 52 tackles.
Mendenhall received his bachelor's degree in business administration and accounting from Temple in 2008.
Mendenhall was a four-year starter in football and wrestling at Paulsboro High School. He was a two-time all-state defensive end as Paulsboro won state titles with undefeated seasons in 2001 and `02.
THE MENDENHALL FILE:
Born: Nov. 6, 1983
Hometown: Gibbstown, N.J.
Alma Mater: Temple '08
Playing Experience: Temple (DE, 2002-05)
Professional Football: 2007 in NFL Europe (Berlin Thunder)
Coaching Career:
2006 - Temple University, Student Assistant
2007-08 - Paulsboro (N.J.) High School, Defensive Line / Tight Ends
2009-10 - University of New Mexico, Graduate Assistant / Defense
2011 - North Carolina Central University, Linebackers/Special Teams Assistant
2012-Present - North Carolina Central University, Special Teams Coordinator/Linebackers
