HEADLINE

Arkansas State coach Anderson gets extension

Field Level Media

May 22, 2020 at 4:36 pm.

Arkansas State agreed to a restructured contract extension with head coach Blake Anderson on Friday.

Terms were not disclosed. Last season, Anderson earned $825,000, second among Sun Belt Conference coaches behind Louisiana’s Billy Napier at $875,000.

Anderson, 51, has posted a 47-30 record and earned six bowl invitations in six seasons in Jonesboro. The Red Wolves won Sun Belt titles in 2015 and 2016.

“Due to our unprecedented FBS success under a head coach with Blake’s tenure, we started the process before the 2019 season to extend his contract,” athletic director Terry Mohajir said in a statement. “During this process, it gave us an opportunity to restructure his contract as well to be more beneficial for all parties. We believe this strengthens the continuity for our emerging football brand with Blake serving as a strong leader for our young guys in their athletics and academic pursuits. He has been very instrumental in our development of lettermen who go on to be great alumni representing Arkansas State University so well.”

Anderson served as the offensive coordinator at North Carolina (2012-13) and Southern Miss (2010-11) before taking over at Arkansas State.

The Red Wolves finished 8-5 last season, including a 34-26 victory against Florida International in the Camellia Bowl.

“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished with two Sun Belt championships and six straight bowl games, but by no means are we satisfied,” Anderson said. “We have an outstanding group of players and coaches with goals we are working hard to achieve, and I couldn’t be more excited about the future of our program.”