Andersen returns as coach of Utah State

The Sports Xchange

December 10, 2018 at 10:52 am.

Nov 19, 2016; Corvallis, OR, USA; Oregon State Beavers head coach Gary Anderson reacts during the second quarter at Reser Stadium. Photo Credit: Cole Elsasser-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 19, 2016; Corvallis, OR, USA; Oregon State Beavers head coach Gary Anderson reacts during the second quarter at Reser Stadium. Photo Credit: Cole Elsasser-USA TODAY Sports

Gary Andersen is returning to Utah State, six years after leaving the school to become the head coach at Wisconsin.

Andersen, who spent this season as an assistant coach at Utah, replaces Matt Wells as coach of the Aggies.

A Salt Lake City native and a Utah graduate, Andersen also worked 2 1/2 seasons at Oregon State and two campaigns with the Badgers.

“Stacey and I are thrilled to be back at Utah State University,” Andersen said in a statement of himself and his wife. “This is a special place and we are excited to meet these young men and play a part in seeing them succeed off and on the field academically, socially and athletically. We are grateful to reconnect with many great friends and supporters in Logan and want to thank athletic director John Hartwell and President (Noelle) Cockett for the opportunity. Go Aggies!”

Under Wells, Utah State posted a 10-2 mark in the regular season and earned a spot in Saturday’s New Mexico Bowl.

Andersen took over at Utah State in 2009 and guided the Aggies to a 26-24 record — including an 11-2 mark in 2012 with a Mountain West championship and a Famous Idaho Potato Bowl victory. He found success at Wisconsin with a 19-7 record, although wins were hard to come by at Oregon State (7-23).

“We welcome Gary and Stacey and their family back to the Utah State family,” Hartwell said said. “His care-factor for his players, coupled with his recruiting philosophy and plan to win, are keys to the continued success of Aggie football. His knowledge of the state of Utah and our program are unparalleled and we feel those attributes will greatly aid in the continued growth and success of Aggie football.”