LOGAN — When news broke earlier this year that then Utah State offensive coordinator Mike Sanford Jr. had been hired by Minnesota for the same position, it may have just seemed like more of the same.
For much of Utah State’s history, young up-and-coming coaches have utilized USU as a springboard to bigger, more brand-name coaching opportunities. There is nothing malicious about it. Young coaches simply are given an opportunity to excel in Cache Valley, make the most of it and then move on.
“I think expectations are to keep these guys as long as I can.” — Utah State coach Gary Andersen
“That is part of the deal at Utah State,” USU coach Gary Andersen said. “I understand that. Young coaches are going to come here and work their tails off. If a great opportunity comes their way I am going to give them a big hug, shake their hand and tell them ‘Congratulations, you did a great job while you were here.’ That is something you always have to understand and be prepared for as a head coach at this level.”
You can list off a pretty impressive who’s who of coaches who have cycled through Logan over the years, including Andersen himself, along with Baylor head coach Dave Aranda, Texas Tech head coach Matt Wells and Texas Tech offensive coordinator David Yost, among others.
There are other coaches currently on staff who, on paper at least, fit the bill, too, whether it be Sanford’s replacement at offensive coordinator, Bodie Reeder; co-defensive coordinator Frank Maile; outside linebackers coach Bojay Filimoeatu; tight ends coach Mike Captuo; cornerbacks coach Mark Orphey and strength and conditioning coach Jordan Hicks. All have less than 10 years of experience coaching at the college football level, some considerably so, and could be viewed as rising stars in the business.
And yet, in a departure from the norm, this might be Utah State’s most experienced staff in years.
Andersen has coached at the collegiate level since 1988. Co-defensive coordinator Stacy Collins has 22 years of experience, four as a head coach. Running backs coach Dave Schramm has coached for 29 years, with successful stints at San Diego State, Fresno State, and most recently Weber State. Wide receivers coach Jason Phillips has 21 years of experience, which doesn’t even take into account his eight seasons as a professional.
Offensive line coach TJ Woods has 17 years under his belt and inside linebackers coach Justin Ena is up to 11 years now.
“This is a very experienced staff,” said Andersen. “I think there are three, four or five of us who are 50 or a little over 50, like myself.”
All the experience should pay off for the Aggies this season.
“It is great for the kids, myself and all the coaches,” said Andersen. “They know what they are doing. There is a lot of experience out here, a lot of years. These coaches have prepared very well and I expect our team to do the same thing.”
Experience isn’t the only thing the Aggies’ coaching staff brings to the table, though. Per Andersen, they genuinely care about the players, something he prioritizes with every hire.
“I always say to the young men, I will always hire a person who cares about the players first and is a good coach second,” he said. “These kids know we care for them. We are going to push them. We are going to hold them accountable. They understand that. They have a huge responsibility living here in Cache Valley. They aren’t perfect, but to watch them out here doing what they love to do, playing football, it is why we do what we do.”
All of it, the youthful exuberance, time-tested experience and care for the athletes, makes this year’s coaching staff a special one, according to Andersen.
It is group he hopes to keep together for the foreseeable future.
“I think expectations are to keep these guys as long as I can,” he said.