Deseret News | Utah State football: Andersen is Aggies' No. 1 choice

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Utah State football: Andersen is Aggies' No. 1 choice

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STR8T UP 801 | 2:11 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Bring on Anderson or Chico and let's get this party started!

Done Deal | 5:12 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Sounds like it's a done deal and Coach A will be an Aggie in the next day or two.

This could hurt Utah's chances in their up coming bowl if Gary isn't there to help plan Utah's defensive strategy for the game.

Three deadends | 7:15 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Andersen would be better off staying at Utah for now rather than leaving for USU, New Mexico or San Diego State. All three will be deadends from a career standpoint. For his own long-term good, he should pass on these offers. Plus, I just don't think he is the right fit for USU. He should take the Utah counter-offer and wait for a better opportunity which is certain to come within the next several years.

Comments continue below

Bob2 | 7:16 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

I'd stay if I were Coach Anderson. He's only begun to reap the benefits of what he and the Utes have accomplished defensively. Have another great defensive year next year and get a better job offer. The USU job is sort of a black hole.

I don't get it | 7:18 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

After reading earlier comments from delusional Aggie fans critical of Gary Andersen, I still say he is easily the best qualified candidate for the job. My question is why did he even pursue a no-win job in Logan if other schools with much better situations are interested in him?

He would bring the USU program as much success as possible, unfortunately that's not very much. The Aggies will never be able to compete with Utah & Byu. Way too many things going against them.

Anonymous | 7:27 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Good luck Anderson. I know the Missouri offensive coordinator that is now the Wyoming head coach will be coaching in Missouri's bowl game. I imagine Anderson will be coaching, esp since the Utes are in a BCS game.

STEAL!!! | 7:29 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Win or lose (and we lose a lot) I am always an Aggie and I have to say the vibe in Logan is different than before. Scott Barnes has thrown what Boise did at their program years ago, MONEY! Money gets you better facilities, better recruiting, and better coaches. I have heard many BYU fans say that Anderson would be stupid to come here. BYU fans always bring out the low class comments but on this one I really did think they may be correct in their ridicule. Should Anderson come to Utah State it would be quite the pick up in my opinion. Say what you want but USU despite only winning three games, made huge strides this year. Guy despite his shortcomings left the program in good shape, especially in terms of recruiting good athletes and students.

The fact that we are potentially doubling the salary in Logan speaks volumes to our commitment.

Despite countless years of futility I will choose to keep the faith. I feel like we are making good decisions to build a program and the facilities are sweet.

Nice work Barnes/Albrecht. Lets get him on board sooner rather than later.

Re: I don't get it | 7:41 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Have you ever played sports in your life, let alone at the D-1 level? You call it a no-win job. You are an idiot. A great coach, which Anderson is, will be a great coach no matter where he is and especially in Logan where they haven't had much success lately. Go get a clue. He will do well and the Aggies will return to respectability.

Anonymous | 7:44 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Please explain to me why "The Aggies will never be able to compete with Utah & BYU" ???

It is true that the program has been down for a very long time, but there is no inherent reason why USU can't compete with other schools in the area if the administration gives it the resources it needs. It will take time and patience, but if Boise State could go from D2 to where they are now why can't USU rise to the top of the WAC? 30 years ago people probably said that BYU would never compete with Utah and USU, and look where they are now.

Things can change very quickly under the right circumstances. Football is not rocket science.

BYU fan | 8:03 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

I'm a BYU fan and I hope Anderson does get this job. He seems like a great guy and he's obviously a great coach and I'm tired of his defenses getting five interceptions against BYU. I think he is the type of coach that could turn things around in Logan.

Utah Man | 8:12 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

And with Kyle going to U of Washington, this could put a hurt on the program.

Anonymous | 8:15 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

I'm a Utah fan, and I'd hate to see him go, but its a no-brainer to take the Aggie job. Its a D1 coaching job...he'll make more money, and all he has to do is win 6-8 games, and he's a genius. Now that Utah State is making a commitment to football with facilities and budget, the tools are there to be successful.

Re: I don't get it | 8:17 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Yeah, you don't get it pal!!! I want Walker but as long as Andersen doesn't run back to Utah after one year I'm on board with him. GO AGGIES!!!

Sad Ute | 8:32 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Andersen is a classy guy and the Aggies should be grateful if they get him. It will be fun to watch him turn the program around.

Luckily coach whit will still be with the Utes to keep the backbone of the defense strong.

All Win vs. No Win | 8:38 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

For USU, this is an excellent hire. Anderson has recruited VERY well for Utah and is an excellent coach...from all accounts I've heard. USU would be lucky to get such a high caliber guy.

On the other hand, USU hasn't been successful for what...30 years?? Does Anderson think he is that much more special of a recruiter and coach to think that he can turn it around after that kind of history? Its one thing to take over a team that is down (ie. Bronco at BYU) and its another thing to take over a DOG program and hope you can change it all. Its a dead end job and he can do much better. Stay at Utah another year...have another top 10 defense (most players are returning), then get a decent job with a decent school. I don't see the advantage for Anderson.

Hero of Canton | 8:42 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

If Anderson leaves the U we might as well resign ourselves to years of mediocrity until someone of equal defensive genius comes along. Ludwig is the WORST OC in the entire known world and the only reason we are 12-0 right now instead of 8-4 is because of Coach A and Coach A alone.

I wish the best for him, I hope he knows what a dead-end USU is...if all he wants is money, go to SDSU, at least its warm there and there are other things to do besides lose a lot of football games.

The Aloof Speak | 8:44 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

USU will "never compete" with Utah or BYU? Are you kidding me? The football program has been down for too long, but how well do we compete in basketball when we kick your butts "O" mighty ones? The football program will be back I guarantee you. Where were the Yewts before Urban came along? Right- in the gutter, and they will be shortly again. You dreamers are living in a fantasy world if you think you are all of a sudden going to be a national power. This BYU & Utah only talk makes me nauseated. "O" thou mighty ones continually is the reason I would root for Russia if they were to play the Yewts or the "Wonderful Ones".

AgedAggie | 8:55 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Coach Anderson, if he takes the job and USU will surround himself with the best assistants and will be successful here in Logan or wherever he goes. I hope that he stays for awhile. The money will get better the longer we have a good coach, money talks.

Devastation | 9:17 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

This could be devastating to the Utah program if they happen to lose both Anderson and Kyle in the same year. Be careful what you wish for, a BCS bid could come with coaches jumping ship to take advantage of the money that is being offered. When coaches leave they usually take a few good recruits with them as well as some assistant coaches.

Missing Out! | 9:17 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

If Utah State does hire Anderson and passes on Walker they will kick themselves for it. Walker will bring in a good recruiting base, and he is the best kept secret in college football coaching.

ZEBA | 9:18 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

I think Andersen should stick around at the U to see what happens with Whit. Tho I think a good indicator with Whit staying will be if Andersen takes the extremely less prestigious USU job (but still not too shabby for $200-300K+/yr!!!).

To whoever said San Diego St. is a dead end, I highly disagree. If a coach could go in there and recruit the massive load of talent in that area then they could be very good.

What is the deal with Petersen, the Boise coach? If I was Washington or any BCS school I would be trying to snatch him away.

AggieStudent | 9:26 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Yes, we want the coach that ripped BYU's offense to shreds. Yes, the team looks OOGLES better this year than they did last, and now that Barnes is throwing the dough in, I foresee a time when Aggie football stages a modest comeback. Hopefully next year we can at least get 4 games (we should have got 4 this year, except for that stupid fresno kicker - 58-yard field goal. blech) and maybe even a winning season.

I think it's a great move. The attitude towards football in Logan is better this year than in years passed.

And wasn't everyone in Utah saying in the 50's and 60's that BYU could never compete with Utah and Utah State? That seems to have changed in a very short span of time, thanks to good ol' Lavell. Don't underestimate the power of a good coach.

Maybe | 9:28 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

I still think that KW is the genius and that Gary Anderson is getting way too much credit, but, that being said, I think he might be a great catch for the Aggies. Utah and BYU have both had good luck bringing in defensive coordinators with strong Utah ties. Gary seems to be cut from that same cloth. It would be nice to see all three of them stick around for a very long time. That could be great for football in the state of Utah.

To the Nay Sayers | 9:29 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Anderson would be great for USU. There would be top in-state athletes that would be willing to commit to USU under him to actually play and have a chance to make a difference in an upswing program. Aggie's defense did a very impressive number on BYU this year under Guy, imagine what they could do with Anderson. THE WINDS OF CHANGE ARE UPON US!!!!!!

Gretkzy | 9:37 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Utah Man is correct. the Utes could be seeing a big shakeup in the coaching staff this year. this is sad actually. this is exactly why we need a playoff system so that coaching staffs can build on what they have accomplished. the next step for Utah is to play for a national championship. the only way is for the current staff to stay put and hope in a couple years if not next that they can muster another team of 2004 offensive caliber and this year's defensive caliber (despite the lack of run game stoppage) and try to accomplish what is not permitted at this time under current BSC legislation...i still wonder when the NCAA will stop holding itself hostage to ABC, Fox, the SEC/ACC/Big12 secret combination?

Logical | 9:47 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Anderson is a great catch for USU. As someone that grew up watching the Aggies it's been a shame to see the program tank in the last 20 years. This was not the case in the 60's. I know, I know that was a long time ago. But, it was a solid and respected program back then. Unfortunately, USU won't be able to consistently compete with BYU or Utah. They are not in Boise and simply will not have the money that's necesary. There's not much in the way of corporate dollars in Logan, and not enough on the Wasatch front to be split three ways. It just won't happen. But, they will likely become competitive in their conference. Good luck!

Walker should be the guy... | 10:03 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

USU should be hiring DeWayne Walker as there next head football coach. If they hire Anderson, they will be hiring a new coach in 3 years. Go for Walker!

Anonymous | 10:27 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

No matter who U.S.U.hires I think they need to improve their recruiting strategy. They need to put some fans in the seats, no better way to do that than by recruiting some local players instead of all the leftovers from the west coast. Hey, The Aggs would have to feel good as a .500 team at this point. I think you can do that by getting some local kids instead of Cali.'s otherwise unwanted.

Job or $$ | 10:28 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Is Anderson just trying to get a pay raise or become a head coach? If Utah counteroffers with a salary meant to keep at Utah - than it's all be about the $$. I am assuming he left SUU after ONE year for the money (I like money too). Anderson is good coach and should see success at USU - until he leaves for more money (just like John L). Wouldn't it create to get an equivalent Steve Morrell type of coach for the football program?!

I'm happy to see the $$ commitment USU has shown the last 4 years and the plans they have to continue improving the program. A good football can be a great pride for the community and alumni. Guy rebuilt the foundation for whoever comes in to build the house - the new coach should have quality building supplies.

new hire? | 10:36 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

nice hire morons...you already had a def coordinator as a head coach.

i was told by every aggie that John L was a done deal before the La Tech game.

guy | 10:37 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

is it too late to hire Guy?

Staff?? | 10:46 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Anderson has been at Utah most of his coaching life. I doubt any staff member at Utah (other than a GA) would go with him to Utah State. Any thoughts on who staff/ coordinators will be?

Hopeful Aggie | 11:34 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

I think this is a great hire for the Aggies. He has shown that he wants to coach in the State of Utah, so maybe he's up for the longhaul. I don't see Whitt going anywhere, he's in a very good situation with the U. My only concern is that in the article it mentioned the U potentially countering any offer. I know the Aggies are in the $500-600K range, and with the BCS influx of cash, it may be tough for the Aggies to get him. Either way, he succeeds and so will the Aggies.

re: Staff?? | 11:38 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Anderson brought Sitake and Roderick with him from SUU. They are both position coaches. If he gave them opportunities to be coordinators, they may leave Utah.

As for Anderson coaching in the bowl game, don't count on it. In '04, Utah would not allow Mike Sanford to coach in the Fiesta Bowl as the OC, as he took the job at UNLV. Their reasoning was that it was an in-conference opponent, whereas Florida was not. By that rationale, USU is a rival to Utah.

Don't count on Witt going to UW. Doubtful he'll leave a winning sub-BCS team for a losing BCS team.

Re: Three deadends | 11:39 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Andersen if he wants to further his career will need to start head coaching. If he stays at the U he will stay assitant to Coach Whit. The U is already working on a contract extension for coach Whit which includes a raise limiting the potential counter offer to Andersen. So the U looks more like a dead ende in minds eye if Coach Andersen cares about head coaching.

If Andersen is smart and is as good as a coach as he seems to be he can turn around a program like USU or San Diego State. Then he becomes a hot item for the bigger schools. I think USU can springboard Andersen to a higher level than he would ever get staying at the U.

USU Strategy | 11:40 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

USU should decide what to do and then DO COMPLETELY the opposite. As a former aggie myself, Utah State should put all their $$ into basketball and move their football team to D1-A. Whether they are in D1-A now or not, most top 20 D1-A schools could beat USU- Including Weber State.

Why USU cannot compete with BYU/Utah.
1) They HAVE NO FAN base. Have you actually been to a game lately. The marching band out numbers the crowd. Fan base translates into $$. No fans no $$. BYU has fans, Utah has fans, Boise State has fans. USU has no fans. Many of the students I went to school with felt the football team was a waste of money. Not to mention the sentiment that many athletes today are prima donnas.
2) Football is a waste of money for schools like USU who continue to lose millions. USU is a public education institution.
3) USU is COLD. Who wants to play football in -30 wind chill. People who live near campus know what I'm talking about.

re Staff??? | 11:42 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Favero from Logan High would be an excellent OC!

Just my opinion.....

Y fan... | 11:43 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

I hope Anderson goes to USU -

1) it's great for a really good school to get someone with local association in place
2) it's great for him to have a D1 shot somewhat out of the spotlight, but close enough to get some attention if he's successful
3) it will likely weaken the Utes.... this guy is a great coach, as displayed by his defenses the last couple of years.

He won't last | 11:47 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

WHAT A JOKE! WHAT WAS SCOTT THINKING? Actually, the AD there at USU has not been there very long, he must have his head stuck somewhere! He knows nothing! This is a bad choice and they will see down the road and this hire will not be good. Really, what exp does Anderson have, NONE!!!!! We need to put the heat on Scott and the President. I'm in shock. He'll bail when another opportunity becomes avaliable. My "source" very close the school stated that he is only holding out, who will pay the most money. He is keeping USU at bay today, he will have another offer this evening, and it will be made public tomorrow. He will not be loyal and trusting. ARE YOU KIDDING ME! WHAT AN EMBARRASSMENT!

Re: He won't last | 12:05 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

You could be right. There is no gaurantee on what he will do. But most likely he will have to ask himself exactly where he wants to go with his career. If head coaching is something on his mind then USU et al. is a viable option. A successful career at USU could do more than any success at the U. If he wins at USU and takes them bowling for example he will land a more lucrative head coaching offer at another school.

formeraggie | 12:06 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

I really think they should look at Darrel Dicky! Great offensive mind and head coaching expierence!

Re: All Win vs. No Win | 12:13 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

It's only been about 10 years. In 1997 USU went bowling they also appeard in a bowl game in 1993.

Re: Word on the street | 12:15 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Ha don't make me laugh. I have a real "source" at USU and he says they will make the official announcement of Andersen as head coach this afternoon.

This has been much of the reason why Anderson has been so secretive with all his "no comment" remarks.

Common Sense | 12:40 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

It's about time we see some common sense in Cache Valley. Making the budgetary and scheduling changes at USU has been something I've been talking about for awhile. Their pre-conference schedule has always looked like suicide on paper so it will be nice to see only one money game per year and they've always needed to pay out more money to a head coach. Sounds like the USU brass are finally making the right decisions to improve the football team.

Go Gary | 12:42 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

This is a great hire for the Aggies. Anderson will turn the program around. He's one of the best recruiters in the country and will be able to compete with Utah and BYU for the best in state players. The so called Utah State supporters need to quit whinning and get behind the new Coach, whoever he is.

Re: Go Gary | 1:00 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

I agree if USU is to be successful its going to need support from all direction. If USU contiunes to recieve the same support from its fan base and boosters than football is likely to fail in Logan again.

True Blue Aggie | 1:30 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

It wasn't very many years ago, 10-12, that the Aggies were filling the stadium with fans. The problem lately has been that the team goes on the road for a big chunk of the beginning of the season and comes home with a 0-5 or 1-4 record heading into conference play. The home fans are discouraged even before they get a chance to see them in action. Once at home however, they are getting beat by bigger margins. (42-7, 35-10, etc.) I don't care who the coach is, if he can come here and the aggies become competitive again, the fans will fill the stadium once more. Good Luck to the new coach and lets get back to winning some games!!

Red Grange | 2:44 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

I put in for the job but never heard anything.

Whats Achievable? | 3:04 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

I get tired of hearing how the Aggie program can never amount to anything because they have been down for so long. That argument doesn't really hold up as I can name a team or two who has recovered from years or even decades of bad play.

When the Aggies talk about success I don't think they can speak about it in the same terms as the U or BYU do. Success at USU can be defined as:

1. wining season equal to or above .500
2. winning season above .500 and going to bowl game
3. win a conference title every 5-6 years
4. beat byu or utah every 5-6 years
5. lower margin of defeat to in-state teams to 13pts

The above scenarios in noway pale in comparison to the success that BYU and Utah will continue to have but for USU it will be success. And I don't think a whole lot of USU fans would complain about it either.

The above scenarios in noway make USU

Thanks for the memories | 3:08 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

A Ute coaching the Aggies? Get used to the empty seats.

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