Deseret News | USU football: Andersen is the Aggies' new guy

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USU football: Andersen is the Aggies' new guy

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Coach | 10:34 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

USU cannot afford a proven coach! Even with the extra 100k per year their giving Coach Andersen it would take another 100k (probably even more) on top of that to convince a head coach with experience to consider USU. Budget wise is best to gamble on an assistant coach who wants to make the transition to head coaching. If Andersen has success at USU he will find bigger and better head coaching job. But not to many USU fans will complain if Andersen brings success to USU and leaves.

re: good luck | 10:39 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

r u kidding? andersen won't last 4 years. he'll be shooting off his mouth about how wonderful he is at some other school that has been down and out (remember SUU) that will hire him and pay him what he wants. as a head coach, he will always have one eye open for the next place to move while keeping one eye on a sinking program.

SLC AG | 10:41 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

I am from Salt Lake, attended USU, and currently reside in SL. I have been watching USU football for years. I have had season tickets to USU football games for 25 years. I remember a number of wins over Utah. I also have had season tickets to Utah football games for 3 years. I enjoy football, and I admire Utah's program since Coach W. took over. So for me, this is a great hire. Thanks USU, and thanks Coach A. Anyone who believes the USU program cannot be turned around quickly is wrong. Hardcore Utah fans like to believe they have been on top forever. Those of us with long memories know that is not the case. The Aggies will be competitive soon enough.

Comments continue below

Support Andersen | 10:42 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

I just want to so congrats to Coach Andersen. I think he will be a great coach at USU. This is a smart move for anyone. Andersen is now a head coach, and with success he can find better places to go. BYU and U will get most of the best players in the state, but they will have to fight a little harder in the next few years to come.

This is a great call, congrates Andersen & USU

Andy | 10:51 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

The state of Utah will be better with three healthy FBS programs. The more "rivalry" games that can get fans interested in the sport, the better for BYU, Utah and USU. I am not saying Utah fans should want USU to beat them, but they should be wanting to beat a healthy and competative USU program as opposed to downtrodden program that USU has been the last quarter of a century.

motives? | 11:00 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

gary andersen has NEVER been about anyone or anything else other than gary andersen. he can say what he wants about turning a program around..that's just his way of saying the great GA is headin into town and when he rides back out in a year or two, he'll say he did better than the last Guy (ha ha)and USU will be right back where they've always been..in the tank because they can't choose the right coach.

I HATE HATERS! | 11:01 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

PLEEEEASE YOU GUYZ ARE TALKING LIKE USU HAS A CHANCE FOR A NATIONAL TITLE ASAP! JUST STOP ALL THE NEGATIVE COMMENTS AND TRYING TO COACH OR COUNSEL FROM YOUR COMPUTERS. COACH ANDERSON IS A GREAT COACH AND WILL DO WONDERS FOR THE AGGIES!

GO COUGS!

Utah Man | 11:04 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

And with Kyle going to Washington, we could be in a world of hurt.

Go Utes in the BCS, this may be it for awhile.

Alabama Aggie | 11:21 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Welcome Coach Andersen, it looks like the Aggies are on the edge of returning to bowl eligibility. The Ags could have won 7 games this year but needed for toughness and focus, that is what a coach is there to instill. Go Aggies.

Simply Amazed | 11:23 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

I'm just so amazed that the football coach receives an extra $100,000 compared to the last one and the assistant coaches will receive extra money -- especially since my department and many others had to cut ALL summer courses because of a lack of funds.

Anonymous | 11:53 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Anderson will probably do a good job but hiring Walker, a very qualified African-American coach, would have brought positive attention to the program and a recruiting pipeline into CA!

abandon ship! | 12:06 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

I know why Anderson took the USU job. He doesn't want to be one of the casualties when utah gets steamrolled in their bowl game. Hey utah we let you win so you could bring big BCS $$$ to our conference so remember to write a bigger check to BYU than to the other MWC teams and you're welcome.

re: Simply Amazed | 12:08 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Typical jealous response from an academic.

In the big scheme of life, entertainment, including sports, is just as important as book learning.

If the Aggies want to produce a successful, entertaining football product, they have invest in that product at current market rates.

Thousands of Utah State football fans, who are also Utah State donors and Utah taxpayers, want to see a better football product at Utah State. Who are you to complain about how their money is spent?

I'm a BYU fan and Utah resident, but I have no problem with Utah, Weber State, and Utah State spending part of my tax dollars to keep their athletic programs successful.

HATERS! | 12:25 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

yo haters...easy on the caps lock.

yoU byU fans have been saying all year that the Utes will be blown out by tcU, byU, and whomever else. yoU were wrong then and yoU're wrong again. will Utah win? don't know. bUt they won't be blown oUt. we're all sorry that yoU're sUffering from bcs envy...that's typical aroUnd Utah coUnty parts these days. go Utes!

Re Chain Reaction | 12:34 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Utah doesn't have to "totally rebuild their offense" next year. Yes, we lose Johnson, Mack and 3 WR's, but there is a backup QB (Louks) with significant game experience, plus a recent recruit (Manos - sp?) to challenge him. We return 4 of 5 O-linemen. We return Key, Wesson, Reed, and a number of other WR's. And at tailback there's this dude named Asiata - I hear he's pretty good.

I'm disappointed we're losing Gary, but I don't think it's the end of the world.

U needs D coordinator | 12:35 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

A great match for Utah's new Defensive coordinator is USC linebackers coach KEN NORTON JR. A good move from a position coach to coordinator and he knows So Cal for recruiting.

Ernest T. Bass | 12:41 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

This is great news! I feel in my heart that Gary Anderson is going to help us win the National Championship next season.

MJB | 12:42 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

I agree with the aggie from Colorado. We need to show our support by NOT sending just money to the school but by also showing up to the games. That is how the program will show signs of improvement. I think it's a great hire to sign coach Anderson. GO AGGIES!

Anonymous | 12:45 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

With Gary Anderson leaving, Brian Johnson, dorell mack, and casteel all graduating, Utah will have 3 or more losses next year. Mark my words.

Bender Rodriguez | 12:46 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

re: Dallas Aggie | 7:14 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

>>Logan is a great place to live and raise a family,<<

Little difference between N Texas & N Utah... I guess

Anonymous | 12:51 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

I am a Utah fan but vote for the aggies, especially against BYU, but I don't understand why they are talking smack about the B-Ball program. It is a good program, but does it ever get to the sweet 16? Utah Athletics is far more accomplished in the two major sports than anyone else in the state. Look at it. In the last decade they have busted the BCS twice and gone to the national championship game in B-Ball, plus many appearances in the Sweet sixteen. That being said, go Aggies on Sat against the Zoobs.

Orem Ute | 12:56 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Watch for Rocky Long to show up at Utah!

AzByuFan | 12:59 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Congrats to GA and I hope the Utes find a good replacement. It was a smart decision for him to seek the job. The biggest challenge is the pessimism from fans. They play in a conference that typically has 1 or 2 good teams so it is not asking much to be successful there. A strong USU team is good for the rivalries with the U and Y. Logan is a beautiful community and Aggie ice cream is the best!

Re: Bender Rodriguez | 1:00 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

What is your problem with N Texas or N. Utah?? You must be stuck in Utah County or something. Let us Aggies have our day and let us love the places that we live like Dallas to Logan.

In case you haven't been there, Logan is a great place to live and to raise a family. Our Dallas Aggie is the best fan that USU has. He drove his entire family to LA TECH just to support the team and the program. When is the last time you went out of your way to support the AGS???........ya I thought so.. Keep it up Aggie from Dallas, we need more fans like you and less like Benders from Utah Valley.

bunyun | 1:00 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

always two tight ends and one running back.

ute fans | 1:01 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

you guys are the worst fans in the world. Let Utah State have an article without you guys commenting such pathetic drivel.

Ernest T. Whoever | 1:01 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Sometimes you annoy the freak out of me but I've got to admit you make me laugh sometimes too.

Logan is cursed | 1:05 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Nobody wins football games in Logan Utah. Andersen will last three years and be fired. USU goes through more coaches than any program I know.

Ernie | 1:08 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Dum-dee-dum-dum-dum...Oh, hey Bert. Don't bother reading any of the other comments. They aren't worth your time. Just keep feeding your pigeons and I'll get my rubber ducky. Maybe Elmo or Big Bird can join us for a song...

Go Aggies!!

We can win!!! | 1:24 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Has anybody looked at our schedule next year? We could possibly win six games. We have home games agaisnt San Jose State, Nevada, Louisiana Tech, Idaho State, and road games agaisnt Idaho and New Mexico State. With a new head coach who will recruit stellar talent and a new facility, we may make it to a bowl game next year. Boise State may win the WAC but the rest of the conference is wide open. It's anybody's game and I honestly believe Utah State will be competitive. GO AGGIES!!!

Former Caliifornia Aggie | 1:35 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

The AD has made his decision. I could understand it if their wasn't two very qualified former Aggies in the picture.

There is no loyalty at USU. They will never be a good program because they don't take care of their own. Baer or Canales should have got a chance to come back to the school they played for and coached (in the case of Baer). They were there during the good times and maybe would have stayed around like Stew Morrill if the program did well.

I wish the Aggies well but can no longer support a school and administration finacially or otherwise that would look to Utes, Cougars, or anybody else for the answer when an Aggie is right there in front of them. Maybe in the 3 or 4 years.

Go Cal Berkeley, Former Aggie

observation | 1:39 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

I think 4 wins for Utah State is a good goal for next year.

Defense Wins | 1:42 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Two schools of thought; 1. Offense 2. Defense. It is a proven point that you can be successful by airing the ball out constantly and trying to score as fast and as often as possible. (see BYU or Utah with Jim Fassel)

The way to rebuild a program is boring but defense will start you winning faster than offense. If Utah State can improve 20% on their offense, 40% on their defense and improve special teams, the Aggies will win half their games next year and will be bowl eligible. If the defense continues to improve, Utah State will consistantly win 7-8 games per year. A lot of big "ifs" but if it happens, Anderson will leave the program for bigger dollars elsewhere.

Utes Rule | 1:44 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Good luck, Gary. You are a brave man, and your services will be missed on The Hill. You are a great coordinator, motivator, and recruiter. But this is a seriously HUGE challenge, as I'm sure you're aware. Utah beat USU 58-10 this year, and honestly, it could have been much worse. Utah State is a putrid football program if there ever was one. If you can turn these guys into winners, you won't be there long.

For those Aggie fans that can't stop talking about how great their football and basketball teams are, and how much better they are than Utah, I'll take you seriously when:

1) Utah State qualifies for two BCS appearances
2) Utah State makes it through the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament

That goes for you, too, Cougar Fans

Show me another mid-major school, besides Utah, that can claim two BCS Bowl appearances and a title game appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Just stop the lame smack right now.

Re: Logan is cursed... | 1:46 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

What the heck are you talking about? There is no perfect system out there. GA is going to boost the program at USU. Don't jump off the boat too early pal, and by the way Logan is a great place to live...

There will be a former Coog ... | 2:02 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

There will be a BYU alum coaching at Washington next year, BUT IT WON'T be Whittingham.

Say hello to Mike Leach from Texas Tech.

Re:We Can Win | 2:03 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

If USU wins 6 games next year than I would be shocked. And a bowl game would be beyond my wildest dreams. I think it will take longer than 1 year for USU to win and go bowling.

But one can hope right?

I take it back ... | 2:10 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

I just found out Mike Leach pulled his name from consideration at UW. My bad ....

NC > BCS Bowl | 2:19 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Show me a team currently in a non-BCS conference that has won a national championship in college football.

Hint, there are two such teams in the MWC, and neither one of them is Utah.

Just stop the lame smack.

Someday, Utah fans will understand what the rest of the country already knows, that a National Championship is infinitely greater than a BCS invite.

Stepkowski | 2:27 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

This is totally a step up for him.

Great Hire | 2:27 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

USU needed this boost the their program. Andersen has all the making of a great head coach. Here is a coach with with a proven track record and has been tutored under the best.

Jumbo Slice | 2:29 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Wait...Utah St. has a football team?

Bender Rodriguez | 2:49 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

re: Re: Bender Rodriguez | 1:00 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

What is your problem with N Texas or N. Utah?? You must be stuck in Utah County or something. Let us Aggies have our day and let us love the places that we live like Dallas to Logan.

So, you did not notice the irony of how great Cache Valley is yet the poster was currently from...

Yet, its okay for you to assume (which you shouldn't) that I'm from the valley of Happy which I'm not.... thank heavens.

Relax, my friend. Take a deep breath & go eat some Aggie Ice Cream.

re:HATERS! | 2:55 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

dUde, did U watch any of yoUr games this year?

NC in 80s | 3:00 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

NC in 1984 = Winning the Holiday Bowl over 6-5 Michigan. Good job, you won the popularity contest that year. You call that a "championship?"

Also, please explain to me how one undefeated season is better than two. That should keep you occupied for a while.

Go Utes!!!

Anonymous | 3:02 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Go Aggies! Go Anderson! Listen I have been cheering for the Utes for years but quit your moaning and support USU and Anderson. It's good for the State. I am optimistic he will slowly turn the Aggies around to a competative football team.

Huskie Man, Sir | 3:04 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

"Kyle Whittingham would be willing to listen if contacted. I am not sure of the interest on UW's part at this time but he said on KJR that he would be honored to be considered if it came up."

Sounds a little more interested than a "no comment", don't you think?

Anonymous | 3:12 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Ute and Cougar Whiners! What a bunch of greedy, pessimistic, whiney, pathetic babies. Give Anderson and USU a break. Listening to all you nah sayers is giving me a headache. Wise Up! A strong Aggie program is good for all. Suddenly a strong Aggie and Wildcat fan! Whaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!

Wait... | 3:12 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

Jumbo has a slice?

Go Ags

Utah HS FAN | 3:14 p.m. Dec. 4, 2008

I think the Utes need to go get Kevin Dyson to be there new WR coach to replace Roderick if he goes to USU (not sure why he would leave. He wants the HC job at Clearfield High but since they wont pull the trigger from some reason (not sure why fire the fraking AD already) only makes sense to bring him back to the fold.

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