The University at Buffalo is wasting no time in recognizing the instant success that head football coach Pete Lembo brought to the program in his debut season. After Lembo led the Bulls to a record-setting 9 wins in 2024, including a dominant victory in the Bahamas Bowl, the school has announced that the 52-year-old coach has agreed to terms on a lucrative new contract.
Lembo Earns Well-Deserved Raise and Extension
According to sources, Lembo’s amended deal includes a raise and an additional year, keeping him under contract in Buffalo through the 2029 season. The university is also significantly increasing the salary pool for Lembo’s assistant coaches and support staff, a clear sign of their commitment to building a consistent winner under his leadership.
In his first year at the helm, Lembo guided the Bulls to uncharted territory, posting the most single-season victories by a first-year head coach in program history. Buffalo’s 9 wins were also the most in a season since Lance Leipold’s 10-win campaign in 2018, putting Lembo in elite company.
Historic Achievements in Year One
The Bulls’ success under Lembo extended beyond just the win total. Buffalo went 6-2 in MAC play, firmly establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the conference. The season was punctuated by a resounding victory over Liberty in the Bahamas Bowl, serving notice that this program is quickly ascending to new heights.
Perhaps the most impressive feat of Lembo’s inaugural campaign was Buffalo’s road upset of then-No. 23 Northern Illinois. It marked just the second triumph over a ranked opponent in school history, further validating the coach’s ability to have his team ready for the spotlight.
Instant Dividends on Proven Track Record
When Buffalo hired Lembo last offseason, they knew they were getting a seasoned leader with a track record of success. He brought over two decades of head coaching experience, including prior stints at Ball State, Elon, and Lehigh. Lembo’s five years guiding the Cardinals made him uniquely qualified to compete in the MAC.
The Bulls also had to be encouraged by Lembo’s recent work as an assistant at Power 5 programs like South Carolina, Memphis, Rice, and Maryland. That diverse experience at all levels of the college game is now paying off as Lembo appears to be constructing a rising powerhouse in the MAC.
Immediate Boost for Recruiting and Stability
Beyond the on-field results, Lembo’s new contract sends a powerful message to recruits and the rest of the conference. By locking up their head coach for the long term, Buffalo is showing that they are fully invested in becoming a perennial contender. That pitch of stability and upward trajectory should be a strong selling point on the recruiting trail.
The Bulls will look to continue their momentum and take the next step in 2025, starting with a challenging opener at Minnesota. But if Lembo’s smashing debut was any indication, Buffalo could soon be knocking on the door as the cream of the crop in the Group of Five. And the school’s proactive approach to rewarding their coach should keep them in the mix for many seasons to come.
