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Utah State football: Aggies inching closer to naming Andersen new coach

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Welcome | 12:30 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

to the Aggie family coach Andersen!

For years the so-called experts have said that USU needs better facilities, better pay for the HC, better pay for the coordinators, more $ for recruiting, etc. It looks like all of those "excuses" are going to go by the wayside thanks to Barnes.

Now, all that's left is to just win baby!

We a'comin'! Go Aggies!!

What? | 12:42 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

When Did USU get a football team?

Anonymous | 12:42 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

jared taking the day off?

congrats aggies

Comments continue below

Aggie Fan | 12:47 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

I hope we can return to the respectable, tough tradition that USU once had. In the late 1970's and early 1980's USU was a tough team and always put up a fight, even in the "money" games they weren't supposed to win. Go Aggies - we will be back soon!

re: What? | 12:55 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

I'm an Aggie and I'm laughing my head off from your comment. I've wondered the same thing while attending Aggie Football games. I thought for sure I must have been watching Logan High! But I think Andersen is just the person to turn the tides.

Make the offical announcement already!

True Blue | 1:14 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

I'm so excited to see the administration get behind the athletics program; it has been a long time coming. Coach Anderson has a plan and he will have the resources he needs to bring pride back to Aggie football.

I might finally be able to move past the Merlin Olsen days!! Adam thats for you.

re: re: What? | 1:15 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

No, you're not an Aggie. That "joke" is so stale its atoms have decomposed.

john L | 1:16 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

actaully its gonna be john L, every aggie fan said it was a done deal months ago...

Let's Go | 1:19 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

I grew up on Aggie football as a child just over the state line in Idaho and I am greedy. Forget the late 1970s and early 1980s; I want to return to the days when the Aggies produced pros like Merlin Olsen from the early 1960s.

that would depend | 1:24 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

on the half life of the atoms. if it was one of the Lanthanides or Actinides it wouldn't be very long. haha. carry on.

ugghh | 1:25 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Come on USU, are you to scared to look outside of Utah for a coach? You need someone to concentrate on recruiting Utah- why? Because Utah is such a hotbed of talent? Go ahead and fill up your team of Cache Valley kids like people seem to think you need to, and see how many wins that gets you. This hire is so uninspiring to this Aggie alum

Was Up | 1:37 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

With the hiring of Coach Anderson we will have two teams beating up on the mighty Utes. Enjoy this year while you can. Go BYU!!! Go Aggies!!!

re ugghh | 1:38 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

How'd the last two hires from outside Utah go?

Guy was from the recruiting hotbed of Texas and proceeded to be the worst coach in USU history. Gary Andersen is a winner. At least USU hired a winner instead of a guy from a mediocre program.

not strict | 1:40 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

instead of redistricting votes, we should study college locations; and travel less to compete. it still leaves the pros open. such as: utah, utah state; byu; boise state; unlv; oregon; washington state

Stevo | 1:43 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

ugghh doesn't get it. Tons of great talent that is passed over in Utah for mediocre talent from Texas, that was Brent Guys recipe. Look at what snow does and how many of them move on to D1 schools. Anderson is a great choice and a big loss for Utah.

Re: ugghh | 1:49 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Brent Guy was hired outside of Utah, recruited outside of Utah. It really seemed to work didn't it? Only time will tell just how inspired or uninspired this decision is.

NO NO NO | 1:51 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

If the Utes were not undefeated and without the help of Whittingham nobody in Cache Valley would even know who Anderson is.

TERRIBLE MISTAKE!!

I am so mad right now. This is a very stupid decision

Aggies it could be worse . . . | 2:01 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

We could be BYU and profess a "Quest for Perfection" and then fall flat on our face. At least we only project two or three wins and then by all means go out and win two or three games! I'd be a 2 or 3 win Aggie anyday over a can't think or act for yourself, "Quest obsessed Cougar."

Nice hire Aggies. Baer would have stayed MUCH longer and has Big Conference experience and success but I still like the hire a LOT.

re: Let's Go | 2:08 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

While not quite to the level of Merlin Olsen yet, USU does have a couple NFL stars in Cooley and Curtis.

As both an Aggie alum and a Cache Valley native, I've followed the Aggies through a lot of difficult times. The plan that Barnes has outlined has me hopeful for a bright future for USU football. As far as the hire goes, I think this is a pretty good hire. Committing the extra resources that he has will go a long way to give Andersen opportunities for success that frankly the last several coaches just didn't have.

Brian | 2:12 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Best news this football program has had in over a decade. I might actually drive up to a couple of games from SLC next year. (I think the administration would like to hear that). Build the program and the fans will follow. I love that USU is finally understanding they have to invest in the program. Go Aggies!

jd | 2:17 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

People forget the KYLE WHITTINGHAM is the defensive genius. Losing his friend Gary will be tough, but Utah defense will be just fine. I can't believe Gary would be so stupid to jump to the death bed for college coaches. Utah State should retire from football, they will NEVER be able to compete with Utah and BYU, not trying to be pompous, just the reality, bad move Gary, you could do so much better.

Notice that BYU and Utah | 2:23 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

both recruit heavily from Utah, as does the basketball program here at USU. All are successful and competitive programs.

Aggie Fan 33 | 2:27 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

I haven't been this excited about Utah State Football in - well, ever.

Now let's get some wins.

Go Aggies!

TrueBlueAggie | 2:33 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Thank heavens! Welcome Coach Anderson to beautiful Logan! I know you'll love it here.

Anonymous | 2:37 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Brent Guy was a defensive coordinator from a successful program that was heralded by many when hired. the main complaint has been a lackluster offense. How exactly is Anderson, a D-coordinator going to change things?

The extra money will help, but wouldn't that have helped Brent Guy, too? I am still at a loss as to why a stand-up guy (pun intended) who does things the right way and is making progress is canned. Especially with the choice they are making for a replacement. Brent Guy (and Dave Arslanian, while we're on the topic) deserved better.

very lucky | 2:37 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

I personally know coach A and played for him for 2 years..this man knows what he's talking about when it comes to football in general. He knows how to coach you hard but is quick to love you when you play hard for him. He is a football genius, and Utah State is getting one hell of coach. He will push academics first, but he is going to demand the best effort on and off the field. They WILL get there program turned around. Mark my Words

Re: No No No | 2:38 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

The fact remains that the Utes are undefeated and had a great defense. Without the help of Andersen maybe Whittingham wouldn't be undefeated this year. It goes both ways.

I'm an Aggie, and I'm fine with this hire. It may be a bad hire, but I have no reason to think he wasn't the best candidate. Most importantly, he'll have much more to work with than any coach in recent USU history in terms of facilities (NEZ building), recruiting budget, and more money to attract good coordinators. For the first time in a while, I actually have hope for USU football.

kent baer | 2:41 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

wow pick kent baer not gary anderson

john L | 2:42 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

where is JOHN L?

thats all i heard for months...

terrible mistake #2 | 2:50 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Gary Andersen is nothing but a ladder-climber. All he wants to do is make a name for himself and he will move on...I say 2 years tops at Aggie-ville and then on to the next place where his name will be in the newspaper more...remember his bail-out from SUU? I agree with NO NO NO...without Whittingham, Andersen would be a big NOTHING. But he already is in my book. Good luck Ags, you'll need it.

You're right JD | 2:58 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Ute defense will be just fine...Gary Andersen is a poster boy for lovin' and leavin'...the next big offer he gets, he will bail. USU will be just another stop on his way to the top...whatever that is. Utah is better off and the Ags have made another bad decision...dating back to when they fired Dave Arslanian and hired what's his name!

NO WAY !! | 3:00 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

ANDERSEN STAY IN SALT LAKE. NO UTES ARE WELCOME HERE

UofUman | 3:02 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

If USU gets coach Anderson, it will be the best thing to happen to the program. It will also be the step up a great coach has earned and truly deserved.

We will miss him at the true football school, but if USU is decent rival again it will be good for the State, the U of U, and even BYU. Then playing USU won't lower our strength of schedule value.

And it would be great for Boise State to have to play a real defense every year. Make them earn the WAC title.

Abby Aggie | 3:11 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Coach Anderson,

I am so happy that we are getting a great coach. Don't read the messages from all the Nay Sayers. The people that count are looking forward to great years ahead. We welcome you to Utah State Football. We realize it is not going to be easy, but, that is why we need you.

I'll bet... | 3:14 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

I'll bet one of Kyle's criteria for staying at Utah, other than the $$$, was getting Andersen off his staff. He's probably paying USU to hire him. Did anyone ever notice how much press he seems to get? Anyone got a camera and a mike? Gary will be right there! I say USU can have him...good luck and good riddance from a great program that DOES NOT need him.

TucsonUte | 3:27 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

It is sad to see Coach Andersen leave and makes Ute fans everywhere know that USU will no longer be an easy mark for the Utes. Andersen is by far the best choice for the Aggies because he will be able to recruit better than Guy did especially with Utah based players.

Another plus for the Aggies is Andersen is from Utah and won't jump ship right away if he sees success in Logan.

Good Luck Coach A!

Kyle stays put | 3:34 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

If this plays out, it means that we know either that 1) Kyle is staying put at Utah or 2) that if Kyle leaves, Anderson would not have been considered for the Head Coach job. Would love to see Anderson stay longer (and find a better opportunity) but if he's gone, I hope Whittingham and Hill have yet another great coach up their sleeves.

Excellent Coach | 3:37 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Andersen attracts awesome players. He has a history of recruiting great (at least defensive) players because they know he gets them exposure and puts them in the NFL. He did a fine job with very little at SUU before Urban Meyer pulled him back to Utah. Meyer wanted him to go to Florida with him also. I hope to see USU (who I am actually an Alumni from) do well in the coming years. Now whst does this say or imply about Whittingham? Is he leaving Utah and Andersen is taking his chance elsewhere? Would Anderesen have been considered for the Utah head job?

One and Done | 3:41 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Gary Andersen is a front-runner and will bolt after one year when he figures out he can't get an instate recruit to consider USU if BYU or Utah come calling.
It happened at SUU, and the T-birds haven't recovered yet from Andersen's one-year nightmare.

USU will NEVER compete! | 3:43 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Re JD:

I agree with you to a point. I do think Utah and BYU will always have the upper hand. But you do sound pompous when you say they NEVER will be able to compete.

Ken Olson, president, chairman and founder of Digital Equipment Corp or DEC once made a similar prediction as yours he said that "There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home." Pretty amazing coming from someone who was an expert in the field of computer science but he was dead wrong.

My point is NEVER is far to strong of a word to use when predicting the future. I think USU can compete again, I think they can compete in their own conference, I think they can pull off a winning season and go to a bowl game. I think they can even pull off an upset once in awhile and beat the U or the Y. I don't see them going to any BCS games or experiencing the same success that the U and Y will achieve over the course of the future. But I will not count them out.

USU mistake UofU benifit | 3:48 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

The mistake is hiring Andersen for USU the benefit for U of U is hire Kent Baer as his replacement. USU has mad a huge mistake in firing Brent Guy and especially in hiring Andersen. Baer is a long time Logan native his whole family practically lives here now. Why not invest in the long term for the program and not in the short gain. Baer would lead USU the same manner or better than Andersen. Look at what he did at Washington, Willingham cant win a game without him. Also what he did at Notre Dame and also at Stanford at Arizona State at California and at USU while he played here his name is still on the record books. I think that Barnes needs to wake up and ask around the university a little to see what they want because Baer would stay alot longer to build the present and the future. Too bad that LAUB has a little too much to say IN LOGAN!!

Striker | 3:49 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

If he takes the job, and Whitt bolts, and all the star players for utah leaves, that could make for a 7-4 season for utah.

Re: You're right JD | 3:52 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

True enough. Any Aggie would be kidding himself if he thinks Andersen is taking the coaching gig for the benefit of the school. Of course he is in it for his own self interest. I would too and so would about anyone else. Andersen knows success at USU will lead to a job elsewhere. If he fails he goes back to being an assistant somewhere and if he stays at Utah he is surely going to be stuck as an assistant behind coach Whitt. But if he wants to advance his career to a higher level he can do it through USU. Right now USU needs success anyway they can get it. Who cares if it's a stepping stone as long as he brings success.

Cats | 4:06 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

To Aggies: It could be worse: The "Quest for Perfection" refers to their personal lives, not football. That remark was REALLY PETTY. Your insecurity is showing.

Dicko 45 | 4:06 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

It sounds like we are making the moves necessary to turn the program around. I like what I see with the new athletic facility and I like what I hear from the new AD in terms of money. A defensives minded coach that can recruit good players might just be the missing part of the formula.

Re: I'll bet | 4:07 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

I'm sure coach Whit would disagree with you about Andersen. I think he is a great coach. Utah will survive without him sure enough but your ignorant if you think he hasn't played a part in Utah's success this year.

re: I'll bet... | 4:10 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

byu TROLL.

Very Lucky is RIGHT | 4:12 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

no no no, terrible mistake #2 and you're right JD you have no idea what your talking about. Gary Andersen and the coaching staff he brings with him will make all Aggies cheer again. This is a big loss for Utah and a great gain for USU. USU fans and Logan will be glad they have him after just a few short months. Wait and see!!!

Whitt's gone too | 4:14 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

What will the utes do when they have no staff in January.

Good luck Coach | 4:17 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

From a hard-core Ute fan, I wish you the best of luck. You've represented the U well and I hope USU can turn its program around with your leadership. The Utes will be just fine, I have a feeling coordinators would be eager to be a part of the success we've had and will continue to have.

Go Aggies - right the ship. GO UTES.

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