Afternoon update>
Blake has the job. Introductory presser is expected tomorrow.
Original post>
Blake Anderson is a strong candidate to be the next head coach at Utah State, sources told FootballScoop on Thursday.
USC defensive coordinator Todd Orlando, a former Utah State coordinator, was strongly considered, sources say, as was Weber State head coach Jay Hill.
Glenn Sugiyama of DHR International has led the search, with a targeted announcement date of Friday. Sugiyama also led Utah State's previous search which landed Gary Andersen.
Anderson has been the head coach at Arkansas State since 2014, going 51-37 with two Sun Belt championships. His 7-year tenure has brought stability to a program that had cycled through four head coaches in as many years prior to his hiring.
Anderson was also a strong candidate for at least one Power 5 offensive coordinator position, sources tell FootballScoop. Having spent the past seven years in Jonesboro, many believe Anderson will benefit from a change of scenery following the death of his wife, Wendy, in 2019.
Anderson was the offensive coordinator at Louisiana-Lafayette, Southern Miss and North Carolina prior to taking over at Arkansas State.
Utah State stands at 1-5 heading into their season finale Saturday at Colorado State. The Aggies parted ways with head coach Gary Andersen on Nov. 7.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.
Update> Sources tell FootballScoop Utah State officials anticipate a deal getting done with Blake today. The final details are always the hardest to nail down; but it appears this one is headed towards closure.
And now multiple local reports say the deal is done. Blake Anderson will be new head coach at Utah State.