Players react to Andersen's departure

Gary Andersen’s impending departure for Utah State has produced a bittersweet response from players on the Utah defensive unit he served as coordinator of since 2005.
‘We’re sad to have him leave,’ said sophomore end Paul Kruger. ‘It’s a big-time loss for us, but on the other hand it’s good to see him get opportunities.’
The Utes, he added, are happy for Andersen and his family.
Cornerback Brice McCain, a senior captain, also wished Andersen well in his new position.
‘A chance to be a head coach is every coach’s dream,’ McCain said. ‘So he made the right decision, I guess, for him and his family. I wish the best for him.’
Both Kruger and McCain think Andersen will be successful as a head coach.
‘I think he’ll do great. He’s a very smart coach and players adapt to his personality. They show it on the field,’ McCain explained. ‘He’s a very intense coach, but he’s a very fun coach at the same time ‘ one of the funnest coaches I’ve ever been around.
‘ So he’ll be a real good head coach,’ he continued. ‘If he continues to use the same mentality that he used here, he’ll be a great head coach.’
Andersen spent time Wednesday night texting Utah players about his decision to leave the program. McCain noted that some of the younger players were shocked by the news.
‘They’re surprised. They’re feeling kind of down right now, but they know it’s life though. They know coach has to make a decision for him and his family,’ McCain said. ‘I think they understand, but right now everybody is kind of stunned.’
McCain expects things to get better.
‘Tomorrow the skies will clear a little bit and everybody will start feeling better when they realize you have to do what you have to do,’ he said. ‘And that’s about it.’
Utah coach Kyle Whittingham will release a statement once Andersen is officially hired at USU.