Coach Mendez is in his first season as Associate Head Coach after spending the previous three years as an assistant coach. Mendez is in his fourth season as Offensive Coordinator.
In 2021, Mendez’s offense was ranked 38th in the NAIA in total points (292), 43rd in points per game (26.5), 54th in passing yards per attempt (6.5), 45th in passing yards per completion (12.8), 59th in passing touchdowns (15), 37th in rushing yards (1,586), 27th in rushing attempts (407), 48th in rushing yards per game (144.2), 51st in yards per rush (3.9), 30th in rushing touchdowns (19), 57th in first downs (183), and 55th in rushing first downs (85). He had seven players earn All-KCAC honors.
The 2020 Braves developed into one of the top ground games in the NAIA in Mendez's second season. Ottawa finished the season ranked 13th in the NAIA in total rushing offense (1,721), 16th in total scoring offense (284), 23rd in total passing yards (1,725), 26th in scoring offense per game (28.4), 27th in rushing offense per game (172.1), 31st in third down conversion (38.3), 34th in passing efficiency (126.9), and 42nd in total offensive yards per game (344.6). Seven Braves were named to the All-KCAC teams led by Second Team selections, Derrick Curtis and Arnoldo Mendoza.
In Mendez's first season as offensive coordinator, six Braves earned All-KCAC honors on the offensive side of the ball. The Braves continued to be one of the best offensive teams in the NAIA, finishing the season ranked 10th in first downs per game (22), 13th in passing yards per game (267.2), 17th in total passing yards (2,672), 34th in fourth down conversion (45.7), 36th in total offensive yards per game (367.4), 38th in passing efficiency (127.5), 38th in scoring offense (27.7), 41st in total points scored (277), and 50 th in third down conversion (34.4).
Before coming to Ottawa University Kansas, Mendez was the offensive line coach at Northeastern State University (NSU) in Tahlequah, Okla. from 2015 to 2017. While at NSU, Mendez coached five All-MIAA performers. In 2016, Mendez’s line helped the RiverHawks throw for 2,947 yards in the air with 28 touchdowns; both are program highs in NCAA Division II era for Northeastern State. As part of the coaching staff, Mendez helped to create a run game plan, scripted inside run for each practice, coordinated high school summer camps, and oversaw travel accommodations.
Prior to working at NSU, Mendez spent the 2013 and 2014 seasons as the offensive line coach and was the assistant head coach (2014) at Ellsworth Community College. He helped with game planning the running attack, recruited in the Des Moines, Iowa area, and was the video coordinator.
From 2010-12, Mendez was a member of the Ottawa University Braves football coaching staff. He was a volunteer assistant in 2010, helping with the offensive line. In 2011 and 2012, Mendez was an assistant coach, in charge of the OU offensive line. He coached one All-American and three All-KCAC selections.
Mendez was part of the 2008 and 2009 OUKS football teams that finished with an overall record of 19-3. This includes the 2009 team that finished the season with a record of 11-1 and a second-round appearance in the NAIA Football Championship Series. Mendez earned First Team All-KCAC honors in 2009 where he was part of an offensive line that blocked for the number one ranked passing offense in the NAIA (417) and the fourth ranked offense in passing efficiency (171.6).
Mendez earned a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education degree with an emphasis in recreation and sports management from OUKS in 2010. He continued his studies and earned a Master of Arts in Education degree with an concentration in education intervention from OU in 2013.
Mendez and his wife Samantha, who is an assistant coach with the OU softball team, live in Ottawa.
