Virginia coach Bronco Mendenhall has resigned, the program announced late Thursday afternoon.

This is a developing story, but it’s a stunning move on the surface. Mendenhall just finished his sixth year with the Cavaliers and guided the program to four bowl games.

Mendenhall is planning to coach Virginia in its bowl game. According to The Action Network’s Brett McMurphy, Mendenhall is not leaving for another job.

“It has been a privilege to have Bronco Mendenhall direct the Virginia football team over the past six seasons,” Virginia AD Carla Williams said in a press release. “He has done an exceptional job of not just transforming the program, but elevating the expectations for the program. He has established the necessary foundation to propel our football team upward. He is more than a football coach and the impact he has had on these young men will be a positive influence for the rest of their lives.

Virginia’s offense this season was one of the most explosive in the country. Quarterback Brennan Armstrong has thrown for 4,449 yards this season, which ranks No. 3 nationally despite him missing a game due to injury.

Mendenhall arrived at Virginia before the 2016 season. He went 2-10 in his first season, but proceeded to reach bowl eligibility in every year of his tenure except a COVID-shortened 2020 campaign. The Cavs went 5-5 in 2020 and declined to participate in a bowl game.

This will be the third coaching change in the ACC so far this cycle. Virginia Tech has already replaced Justin Fuente with Brent Pry. Duke has also parted ways with David Cutcliffe, but the Blue Devils have yet to name a successor.

Virginia will find out its bowl opponent this weekend.