Urlacher majored in criminology at the University of New Mexico and played for the New Mexico Lobos football team. Dennis Franchione, the Lobos’ head coach, converted Urlacher to linebacker but often left him on the sidelines in favor of more experienced players. The team finished with winning records during Urlacher’s first two years and even made a trip to the 1997 Insight.com Bowl. The team’s success prompted Franchione to leave New Mexico in favor of Texas Christian University. His departure prompted the school to hire a former coach at UCLA, Rocky Long.
Brian Urlacher flourished under Long’s tenure. Urlacher played a more versatile role on both offense and defense and received more playing time. Long converted Urlacher into a “Lobo-Back“, a cross between a linebacker and free safety, and placed him in a 3-3-5 defense scheme. He spent significant time training with Bronco Mendenhall, the team’s defensive coordinator, who helped Urlacher refine his skills as a defensive back. Long also used Urlacher as a return specialist and wide receiver throughout his final two years with the Lobos.
The Lobos’ performance declined despite Long’s extensive changes to the team’s roster, formations, and work ethic. However, Urlacher became one of the team’s most productive players during this time. He finished his career with 442 tackles, three interceptions, 11 sacks, and 11 forced fumbles. Outside of defense, he caught six touchdown passes and returned five kicks for touchdowns.
Urlacher was one of the finalists for the Jim Thorpe Award after the 1999 season and finished twelfth on the Heisman Trophy ballot. Brian Urlacher received All-American honors from Walter Camp, Football Writers Association of America, and the Associated Press. He played his final collegiate game at the 2000 Senior Bowl, where he was one of the game’s top players.
Urlacher set a school record for most tackles in a single season and led the nation with 178 tackles during his junior year. Brian Urlacher finished with the third most career tackles in the University of New Mexico’s history. The school has honored Urlacher on several occasions. In 2000, they awarded him with the Male Athlete of the Year Award and held a special halftime ceremony to honor his success in 2006. Urlacher was also the first person to be inducted into the University of New Mexico’s Football Wall of Fame. The New Mexico, retired Urlacher’s Jersey no. 44 in his honor.
