ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- The University of New Mexico announced today that Jon Newman-Gonchar and UNM Athletics have mutually agreed to part ways. A national search for the next head volleyball coach will begin immediately.
Newman-Gonchar concluded his seventh season as UNM’s head coach in 2025 after arriving in January of 2019.
“Jon and I met today and collectively felt that it was in the best interest of Jon, our student-athletes, and the department to move in a new direction,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics Fernando Lovo. “Jon has led this program with care and dedication, and we are grateful for the impact he has had during his time at UNM.”
During Newman-Gonchar’s time in Albuquerque, the Lobos accumulated a 97-94 (.508) record overall with a 50-72 record in conference matchups. UNM reached the Mountain West Tournament three times in that span, advancing to the semifinals for the first time since 1999 in 2023 with their first tournament win since 2006. That season, the Lobos notched their best conference finish since 2015, finishing tied for fourth with a 10-8 mark in conference matchups.
“During his tenure Jon guided the program to 97 wins and three Mountain West Tournament appearances, mentored countless student-athletes, and represented the university with professionalism,” Lovo said.
“We wish Jon and his family the very best moving forward. Our focus now is identifying the right leader to guide Lobo volleyball into the future and compete for Mountain West Championships.”
UNM will begin an immediate and comprehensive search for a new head coach to lead the program into the 2026 season.