Update:Gabe DeArmond of Power Mizzou, who covers Mizzou as well as anyone, reported that Anderson is a candidate but the search remains ongoing.
Arkansas State head coach Blake Anderson has emerged as a strong candidate for the Missouri opening, sources told FootballScoop on Friday.
Anderson, 50, is 46-30 in six seasons at A-State, leading the program to two Sun Belt championships and a share of the SBC West Division title in 2018. His teams have yet to miss a bowl game under his leadership, and he provided a stable hand during a tumultuous time after the program cycled through four head coaches in four seasons during the first half of the decade.
A former offensive coordinator at Louisiana-Lafayette, Southern Miss and North Carolina, Anderson perfectly fits the mold of offensive-minded FBS head coaches sought by Mizzou AD Jim Sterk, following the firing of Barry Odom, a defensive-minded head coach with no prior head coaching experience.
Anderson is also well-liked and respected within the industry and, obviously, has led his family amid the tragic passing of his wife and the mother of the couple's three children, Wendy Anderson, in August with dignity and class.
Anderson also recently hired Jimmy Sexton as his representation, sources say.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.