Jason Eck: The Unlikely Coach Who's Revitalizing New Mexico Football

From Offense Line to Head Coach

When Jason Eck interviewed for the offensive line job at South Dakota State, he knew exactly what was expected of him. The position was not just about strategy; it was about connection and teaching. What set Eck apart wasn't just his technical knowledge but his ability to make everyone around him feel seen and valued.

"He's a big offensive line coach," Dan Jackson, former assistant coach at South Dakota State, explained. "Those guys get a rap for being dumb, but Jason is a highly intelligent guy. He does it in a way that he's not telling you how smart he is. He's a genuine guy's guy, and he makes you feel comfortable around him being yourself."

During that interview, Eck demonstrated his teaching style by role-playing with each coach as if they were players on the team. As he worked with them in stances, teaching footwork, sweat began to appear on his suit — proof of his dedication.

The Power of Personality and Presence

While many coaches are content to work behind closed doors, Eck has always preferred the spotlight. He wears a bolo tie, cruises Albuquerque in a low rider, and even acts out spoofs of "The Office" on social media to sell tickets — all while building excitement around New Mexico football.

"I don't have the Sean McVay look," he jokes, but his impact is undeniable. His unique approach stems from an ability to connect with people in a way that resonates deeply within a team culture.

Building Belief and Confidence

Eck's philosophy centers on belief — not just for himself, but for every individual on his roster. Garret Greenfield, a former player under Eck at SDSU, recalls the moment when he needed help after losing his father to a car crash in 2020.

"He sat with me for a while and consoled me," Greenfield said. "He didn't say much, but having him there in that moment, within 30 minutes of me getting a phone call that changed my life, that's the kind of person he is. He dropped everything and came."

This emotional intelligence isn't just about empathy — it's part of what makes Eck a standout coach. He knows his players' schedules, families, and even their significant others. His understanding goes beyond the field.

A Life on the Move

Eck's career has been marked by constant movement across the country. From Montana State to Hampton, Winona State to Idaho, he's lived in 11 different places, often in battered Suburbans. His wife, Kimberly, worked everything from nannying to Amazon customer service to support their family of five kids — now aged 6 to 24.

"The lifestyle was pretty hard at times," Kimberly said, "but I always believed in him." Despite facing moments where he questioned his path — even interviewing for a job with FieldTurf after leaving Western Illinois — Eck never gave up. His journey led him from coaching in the Division II title game to becoming a head coach who now leads New Mexico's football program.

From Humble Beginnings to Mountain West Contender

New Mexico hasn't won a conference title since 1964, but thanks to Eck's leadership, it's now considered a favorite for the Mountain West championship. The program has seen significant improvement in recent years, including hosting its first home sellout since 2007 and making it to a bowl game after a long drought.

His impact reaches beyond wins and losses — it changes how people perceive the university. Former New Mexico athletics director Fernando Lovo received a call from Eck on a Monday asking for a low rider to help promote tickets. The same goes for his presence at campus recycling expos — Eck finds opportunities everywhere.

"He sees opportunity where other folks may see challenges," said current AD Ryan Berryman, who grew up in New Mexico and has worked there his entire career. "New Mexico is 2-0 this season with blowouts, and while it's not unreasonable to consider us the league favorite, we still have room to grow."

Family, Football, and Future Dreams

Jaxton Eck, Jason's second oldest son, became an all-conference linebacker in 2025 and returned to play with his father this season. Despite the potential for bigger offers elsewhere — even from schools like Michigan State, Stanford, Wake Forest, and NC State — Jaxton chose to stay at New Mexico.

"I definitely want to be a coach when I'm done playing," Jaxton Eck said. "I love football."

Their bond was forged in the garage where Jaxton did pushups and in the moments when Jason would miss games to film his son's performances. Even with the challenges of nepotism scrutiny, this father-son dynamic has strengthened their commitment to each other and to the program.

A Coach Who Believes in Possibilities

As New Mexico prepares for a challenging matchup against No. 24 Oklahoma, Eck's influence is clear. His ability to inspire belief — not only within his team but also in the broader community — sets him apart from other coaches.

"He has an ability to inspire belief," Berryman said. "Belief in the locker room, belief in the community and the university setting that all things are possible."

With a program built on trust, tradition, and a never-give-up attitude, Jason Eck isn't just coaching football — he's rewriting the narrative of what it means to be a part of the New Mexico Lobos family.