Logan, UT (Betting Express) - Utah State has named Gary Andersen its new head football coach.

Andersen has been an assistant at Utah for the past five years and for 11 of the past 12 years. The run was interrupted by a one-year stint as the head coach at Southern Utah in 2003. He guided the Thunderbirds to a record of 4-7 in his lone season before heading back to Utah.

"Gary's vast knowledge of the state of Utah, coupled with his overall recruiting success, will pay long-term dividends to our program," said Utah State athletic director Scott Barnes. "He will be focused and tireless in his approach to building and sustaining a winning program here at Utah State."

After rejoining the Utes as defensive line coach in 2004, he added the title of defensive coordinator the following year. The Utes are 12-0 this season and set to receive a BCS bowl berth.

"It's a great opportunity and it's been a long-time goal of mine to be a Division I head football coach," said Andersen. "I think every football coach has a niche as to where they want be a head coach and where they belong. I feel that Utah State is a perfect fit for my niche and what I believe in."

The 44-year-old Andersen was recently named a finalist for the 2008 Broyles Award, honoring the top assistant coach in college football.

Utah State needed a replacement for Brent Guy, who was 9-38 in four years. The Aggies finished the 2008 campaign 3-9.