Administrative leave leads to firing
Two days after fall camp began, New Mexico State made a swift decision to remove one of its most significant assistant coaches. David Cobb, who held the roles of assistant head coach, general manager, and running backs coach, was fired following a university-led review. The NMSU spokesperson confirmed Cobb’s departure in a public statement released Friday. While the statement highlighted the athletics department’s dedication to maintaining high standards of integrity and professionalism, it did not offer specific reasons for his separation.
Cobb's role and prior achievements
Cobb arrived at NMSU in 2023 in the dual role of director of scouting and NFL liaison. Under former head coach Jerry Kill, he quickly became a valued part of the staff. When Jerry Kill stepped down and Tony Sanchez took over the helm, Cobb’s responsibilities as running backs coach remained unchanged. His position as coach of the running backs continued under Sanchez, and in January 2025, Cobb was elevated to assistant head coach and general manager. In this expanded role, he took over management of the program’s recruiting strategy, player contracts, and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals.
Cobb played a pivotal part in developing the team’s running back unit. His work led to the success of players like Seth McGowan and Mike Washington, both of whom recently received honors at the Conference USA level. Prior to his coaching career, Cobb played college football for the University of Minnesota, where he set the Gophers’ single-season rushing record with 1,626 yards as a senior. Selected in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Cobb spent three seasons in the league before transitioning into scouting roles with the Carolina Panthers and Tennessee Titans.
Immediate next steps for the Aggies
With Cobb no longer on staff, head coach Tony Sanchez informed media after Friday’s practice that the coaching staff is actively looking for a replacement for Cobb’s on-field responsibilities. “We’ll have something to announce next week,” Sanchez said, adding that the administration is currently handling the matter. The Las Cruces Sun-News reported that Cobb did not attend Friday’s practice, which was his first absence since joining the program. The university has not responded to a request for further comment from the Journal.
The firing occurred just ahead of the start of full team activities. Sanchez noted that the team is already evaluating potential candidates to step into Cobb’s role. Until a replacement is officially named, the coaching staff will continue to manage the Aggies through the fall camp, keeping operations moving forward without delay.
News of Cobb’s termination was first made public by Aggregator, a Substack dedicated to NMSU coverage. The announcement caught many by surprise, as Cobb was known as a crucial member of the program. His departure leaves a significant void in both on-field coaching and administrative duties, and the team will need to adapt quickly as the season approaches.