Andersen may be turning blue

Gary Andersen wasn’t at the Utah football complex Tuesday afternoon. The Utes’ defensive coordinator was in Logan for a second interview with Utah State officials concerning the school’s head coaching vacancy. A reliable source close to the situation confirmed the meeting and said budget issues would likely be discussed. Andersen was also scheduled to meet with some of the Aggie players during this trip to the Cache Valley.
The source, who requested anonymity, noted that Utah was making a “valiant” effort to keep Andersen with the Utes. In addition, search firms hired to help fill head coaching positions at San Diego State and New Mexico have also made inquiries about Andersen.
Andersen, who is a finalist for the Broyles Award (nation’s top assistant coach), is a masterful recruiter. His “m.o.” at Utah has centered around recruiting players from within the state, helping build a successful program to accomodate LDS Church missionaries and establishing a “Polynesian Pipeline.”
Andersen has sent several players to the NFL. He has been Utah’s defensive coordinator since 2005 and a long-time assistant before that. In 2003, Andersen was the head coach at Southern Utah — leaving the Utes after Ron McBride was fired. He returned the next season when hired by Urban Meyer.

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Running back Ray Stowers was granted another year of eligibility by the NCAA. The senior has battled injuries throughout his career with the Utes.