Gary Andersen is bound for Wisconsin, and early reports have tabbed the move as somewhat of a surprise. Andersen, the head coach at Utah State, was a late entrant into the pool of possible candidates, and he also affirmed his commitment to remaining the Aggies' coach in late November.
Nevertheless, the hiring is expected to be officially announced on Thursday. Here are some notable bits of reaction and updates (we'll be keeping this updated over the next day or so, so check back for the latest):
Tony Jones, Utah State beat writer at the Salt Lake Tribune:
Being told that Andersen to Wisky should be done within 24 hours....
— Tony Jones (@Tjonessltrib) December 19, 2012
Source says offer from Wisconsin has been made...If Andersen accepts, he is expected to take entire coaching staff with him
— Tony Jones (@Tjonessltrib) December 19, 2012
On the possibility of Utah State quarterback Chuckie Keeton following Andersen to Wisconsin (Keeton finished 18-of-34 with 181 passing yards, two touchdowns and 75 rushing yards in Wisconsin's 16-14 win over Utah State on Sept. 15):
@findaddy81 - worse...I think Chuckie could become a Badger...he has two years and a redshirt remaining
— Tony Jones (@Tjonessltrib) December 19, 2012
Kevin Graham, Cohost of Gunther & Graham & Program Director on 1320 KFAN in Salt Lake City:
Graham has an updated post with info from some sources here.
Source confirms to me that Gary Andersen & Wisconsin are indeed in serious talks. Deal could get done in the next 36 hours.
— Kevin Graham (@KevinGrahamKFAN) December 19, 2012
Based on my discussion with my source, educated guess is Wisconsin will offer Gary Andersen in the $2 million range
— Kevin Graham (@KevinGrahamKFAN) December 19, 2012
Some quick tweets from my post. Told most but not all coaches will be going to Wisconsin with Andersen...
— Kevin Graham (@KevinGrahamKFAN) December 19, 2012
Those coaches could include defensive coordinator Dave Aranda (who was offered the DC job at Cal that eventually went to former Wisconsin linebackers coach Andy Buh) and most of Andersen's offensive staff. Offensive coordinator Matt Wells could stay at Utah State, though, if he was offered the head coach job. Graham also hears Andersen will hire Utah defensive line coach Chad Kauha'aha'a, and Utah defensive coordinator Kalani Sitake could be a candidate for a spot on the staff, as well.
Utah State players:
Kicker Josh Thompson:
Don't know what to think anymore.... I was a believer.... #aggiefamily
— Josh Thompson (@josh_thomp19) December 19, 2012
Cornerback Terrence Alston:
Cant be mad at the man, I just feel like he should of told the team in the meeting.
— T Alston (@TA_21ERA) December 19, 2012
Linebacker Tavaris McMillian:
damn man that's crazy Coach A was the only reason I came to Utah State
— Tavaris McMillian (@tm16_scc) December 19, 2012