Hebron "Loni" Fangupo

Biography

Hebron “Loni” Fangupo joined the Lobo Family in December of 2024, and he serves as the defensive line coach. He came to UNM after extensive playing experience spanning four years in the NFL. He also has experience with Coach Eck from a season at Idaho. In 2025, the Lobo defensive line was at times unstoppable and perhaps one of the most improved units in the country. UNM recorded 36 sacks, the most since the 2005 season, and UNM led the Mountain West in sacks one season after finishing last with just 11. UNM was second in the Mountain West in TFLs with 77, again after finishing last in that category in 2024. Three defensive linemen earned All-Mountain West honors. Keyshawn James-Newby became UNM's first conference sack leader in 20 years, and he was a Third Team All-American by PFSN and First Team All-Mountain West. Brett Karhu went from 58 snaps at Memphis in 2024 to 537, and Honorable Mention honors, and Brian Booker also earned Honorable Mention honors. PREVIOUS COACHING STOPS IDAHO (2024): Fangupo served as the defensive line coach for one season at Idaho with Jason Eck, and he made his mark. He coached All-American Keyshawn James-Newby and three All-Big Sky players in James-Newby, Dallas Afalava, and Malakai Williams. The defensive line was one of the most dominant in the FCS, totaling 35 sacks on the season, led by James-Newby. He led the Big Sky Conference with 10.5 sacks, and he was at his best in big games, picking up 2.5 sacks against Oregon and 3.0 sacks against Wy