Utah State hires Blake Anderson from Arkansas State as new football coach

LOGAN, Utah — Utah State University has hired a new head football coach.

Blake Anderson joins the Aggies after seven years coaching the Arkansas State Red Wolves. He achieved six consecutive winning seasons and six straight bowl games from 2014-19, as well as back-to-back Sun Belt Conference Championships in 2015 and 2016.

READ: Gary Andersen out as Utah State head coach

Anderson's hiring was reported by various sports media outlets in the days before USU confirmed it Saturday.

The Aggies finished 1-5 in their tumultuous 2020 football season that included games being canceled, their head coach being let go, their quarterback being dismissed and players opting out of the final game over alleged comments by USU President Noelle Cockett regarding interim head coach Frank Maile's religious and cultural background.

READ: Aggies opt out of game over USU president's comments

Anderson has a long and varied coaching resume since 1992. His former teams also include North Carolina, Southern Miss, Louisiana-Lafayette, Middle Tennessee, New Mexico, Trinity Valley Community College, Howard Payne University and Eastern New Mexico.

“I have watched his Arkansas State teams over the past seven years, first when I was at Troy and then here at USU, and I am excited for our fans to witness first-hand his high-octane offense and championship brand of football," USU athletics director John Hartwell said in a statement. “Blake is an outstanding football coach and an even better person. His emphasis on total development of his student-athletes in the classroom, on the field and in preparation for life after football, will be a great asset for Utah State University.”

Anderson also expressed his excitement in Saturday's announcement.

“I am beyond excited and grateful for the opportunity to lead the Utah State football program,” he said. “This is an unbelievable place with a great tradition and history of success, both on and off the field, that we look forward to building upon. I can’t wait to get started with the guys and I look forward to a packed Maverik Stadium next fall. GO AGGIES!!!”