Utah State coach enjoying the simple life in Logan
BY LYNN DEBRUIN Associated Press
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
12/11/12 at 3:21 AM
LOGAN, Utah - Gary Andersen probably could be settling into a new job right now at a more prominent Division I program, making bigger bucks with more highly touted recruits.
Instead, the coach of the 18th-ranked Utah State Aggies is gearing up to play Toledo in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl while continuing to enjoy the view from his balcony overlooking Cache Valley in rural northern Utah.
Right beside him are his prized Great Danes, appropriately named Aggie and Big Blue. And don't forget the Utah State flag flying outside his home and the Aggies logo tattooed on his right shoulder.
"I hear people say, 'You're nuts,'" Andersen said of his recent announcement that he had pulled his name out of the tempting coaching merry-go-round despite being a hot prospect. "There's a lot more to life than money."
A quick glance at Andersen's office in Logan shows where his priorities are - on his family and his kids, both his own and those who play for him at the school 90 minutes north of Salt Lake City, where Andersen was born.
His favorite item in the room is the military case containing the flag that was draped over his father's casket, front and center next to his computer.
It was his father who supported him as a walk-on at Ricks College when no one else wanted him. It was his father who helped him follow a crazy dream to coach even after he drove cross-country in 1988 for a $10,000-a-year job as an assistant at Southeastern Louisiana - only to see the program cut after six months.
"He was the driving force and he (still) helps me big-time when I make the decisions I've got to make," said Andersen, 48.
A close second are photos of twin sons Chasen and Hagen in Logan High School football uniforms, making plays during a 14-0 season that culminated with a 4A state championship.
Both are headed to Utah State in January, joining older brother Keegan, a tight end who will be a junior next season.
Jars filled with candy sit atop Andersen's desk, and the cupboards are full of crackers, cookies and that college staple, Top Ramen.
"The kids filter through here all day long," Andersen said. "It's a family atmosphere and I want that for my assistant coaches, too."
It's why players know where Andersen lives, and are welcome at his home anytime.
He did it his way, battling through a pair of 4-8 records until turning the corner with a come-from-behind win over Hawaii in 2011 and closing the season with five straight victories before a berth in the Potato Bowl.
Now the Aggies, who join the Mountain West next year, are headed back to Boise - with Andersen under contract through 2018.
He said it's not unrealistic that he could stay at Utah State forever.
He enjoys living the simple life, with Sunday night family dinners, and a new tradition started last year of a one-week vacation.
