LOGAN — In his next step of taking the Utah State University football program in a new direction, USU athletic director Randy Spetman will announce today the hiring of Arizona State defensive coordinator Brent Guy as the new head football coach.
The official announcement will be made today at 9:30 a.m. in Logan, and second news conference will be held at 3:30 p.m. in Salt Lake City.
Guy was in a team meeting early Thursday afternoon and was not available for comment at that time, nor did he return phone calls.
"One of almost every assistant's dreams is to become a head coach," ASU head coach Dirk Koetter told the Arizona Republic on Sunday. "I've certainly done everything I can do to help Brent make his dreams come true."
Guy, 44, replaces Mick Dennehy, who was fired in early November. Dennehy was 19-37 in five seasons at Utah State. He had one year remaining on his contract.
Notre Dame defensive coordinator Kent Baer, a native of Logan, and University of Arizona offensive coordinator Mike Canales, an alum of Utah State, were also considered for the position.
Guy, the linebackers coach under Charlie Weatherbie at Utah State from 1992-1994, has never been a college head football coach, but brings a lot of experience. After three seasons with Utah State, Guy worked for seven seasons under Koetter at Boise State (3) and Arizona State (4).
He also worked at his alma mater, Oklahoma State, from 1986 to 1991 and again from 1995 to 1997.
"I think he'd do a good job with his own program, but the selfish side of me wants him to stay right here with the Sun Devils," Koetter told the Arizona Republic.
Guy will become the 25th coach in school history. In 107 seasons the Aggies are 468-446-31.
Not only will Guy guide the Aggies into the WAC, he will be counted on to help raise $16 million for the renovation of Romney Stadium.
The first press conference will be held in the Champ Room on the third floor of the Smith Spectrum, and the second will be held on the 19th floor of the Wells Fargo Building (299. S. Main) at 3:30 p.m.
The public is invited to attend either.
E-mail: jhinton@desnews.com