We've all heard the rumors, but this is the first I can remember where he's confirmed he was a finalist:

“That job came open a number of years ago, and there will be rumors that are accurate that I was a finalist or the short list and that I was contacted...I’ve moved on since then.”

Maybe this is out in the open already . . . I can't remember.

Also, here are some interesting quotes from players:

“I’m always jealous of the young guys.” Kiser stated. “They have four to five years to be with Coach Mendenhall.”

Fourth year wide receiver Andre Levrone had the same sentiment regarding Coach, almost verbatim, saying, “Only having two years playing for Coach Mendenhall, you wish you had four or five.”

“Great coach. Great person. Great hire. Best direction that this program could go in, honestly.”

https://www.streakingthelawn.com/2017/11/21/16685088/bronco-mendenhall-unequivocally-shuts-down-oregon-state-coaching-rumors-college-football