That doesn't mean Andersen is doomed. Improved facilities and increased funds for coaching salaries have made the job more attractive than it has been in three decades.

"We have what we need to go out and compete," said Andersen.

That even seemed possible Thursday. When Smith was hired, the press conference was held in the Spectrum conference room. When Guy was hired, he was introduced in a downtown Salt Lake office building. Arslanian met with the press at the Delta Center prior to a basketball game.

This time, Andersen was trotted out at the stadium.

Imagine, a complex so good they actually introduce a coach where he'll be working.

Andersen, a former head coach at Southern Utah, said the combination of environment, academics and athletics is enough to compete with BYU and Utah for top local players.

So they're saying everything is in place. As athletics director Scott Barnes put it, "This is a good time, not just to take the next step, but to make the most significant step in some time for USU football."

Meanwhile, Andersen fired up the Aggie boosters — some of whom attended the standing room only press conference — by saying all the right stuff. He added that he isn't worried about the sad legacy of USU football.

"I love a challenge," he said, "but at the same time, you've got to pick your challenges."

Considering USU hasn't had back-to-back winning seasons in 28 years, this one is a doozie.

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E-mail: rock@desnews.com