OREM — Cody Sanderson resigned earlier this week as Utah Valley State wrestling coach with the intention of accepting a position on younger brother Cael Sanderson's coaching staff at Iowa State, several sources have confirmed for the Deseret Morning News.
Cody Sanderson, a Heber native and Wasatch High graduate, wrestled for the Cyclones from 1997-2000 and worked in the Iowa State athletic department as an administrative assistant for three years prior to coming to UVSC.
Cael Sanderson, an Olympic gold medalist and the only wrestler in NCAA history to go undefeated for his collegiate career, was named Iowa State's new wrestling coach last Friday.
Although Sanderson cannot officially accept the Iowa State position until April 17, he tendered his resignation on Monday in order to give UVSC a head start on finding his successor.
Per policy, Iowa State is required to advertise the assistant coaching vacancy for a certain period of time before conducting formal interviews and making an official hire.
"The wrestling program has an assistant coaching position that is currently being advertised," Iowa State associate athletic director Tom Kroeschell said Friday. "But no one from the university can comment on something of that nature while this process is ongoing. There will be no interviews or anything until the 17th of April."
When reached Friday, Sanderson did not refute reports that it is his intention to rejoin his brother at Iowa State.
"Right now I can't specifically confirm or deny (pursuit of the Iowa State vacancy)," Sanderson said. "It was a hard decision (to resign), because I've had a great time at UVSC. But after talking with my wife and family members, I've decided to pursue some different coaching opportunities."