Dale has similar thoughts.

"I think he'll find someone that will work well. We've got a lot of returners coming back, and I don't think we'll fall far from where we are," he said. "We should definitely still be strong next year on defense."

While the Utes continued preparations for bowl season with a lifting and conditioning session at the Smith Center, they also took time to reflect on Andersen's impact.

"Gary has been instrumental to our success here at Utah," Whittingham said in a released statement. "We want to thank him for his hard work and dedication to the University of Utah football program, and we wish him well in his head coaching career."

Prior to the press conference announcing his hiring in Logan, Andersen indicated he'd like to help both programs out until the Utes are finished with their bowl game — if it's the right thing to do.

Moving on won't be easy, whenever it is.

"It's always very, very difficult to leave a school. I love the kids where I'm at," Andersen said. "I consider myself a player's coach and I consider my job, wherever I coach, to be very close to their lives. To turn around and leave is hard. There is absolutely no question. But on the other hand, I think that they all understand."

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E-mail: dirk@desnews.com