SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Jan. 2, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — Former University of Utah football assistant coach Gary Anderson is returning to the staff later this month, officials said.
U of U Athletics announced in a statement Andersen, who will carry the title of associate head coach and defensive assistant, will officially begin his duties Jan. 9.
This will mark Andersen’s third coaching stint at his alma mater. The first was from 1997 to 2002 and the second from 2004 to 2008.
“We’re looking forward to Gary rejoining our staff,” Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham said in the statement. “Gary brings a wealth of high-level coaching experience to the program, including serving as the head coach at two Power Five schools. During his previous time on our staff, he developed some of the best defensive linemen in Utah history. In addition, he is an excellent recruiter and motivator and understands what it takes to win at this level.”
Andersen left Utah to take over as the head coach at Utah State University in 2009, where he spent four seasons before leaving for the University of Wisconsin. After two seasons in Madison, he left to take the same job at Oregon State University.
“Returning to the Utah football family is something my wife Stacey and I are very excited about,” Andersen said in the statement. “Having an opportunity to coach at your alma mater is somewhat unusual and having the opportunity to do it again is certainly special. Kyle Whittingham is a great coach and I look forward to working alongside him again. I am fired up to meet the players and go to work.”
Andersen was a center on the University of Utah football team from 1985 to 1986, and graduated in 1986 with a bachelor’s degree in political science.
