Gary Andersen walked away from $11.6 million when he resigned as Oregon State head coach on Monday. Does that mean he's planning to take another job soon instead of living off a potential buyout fortune?
Beavers' athletic director Scott Barnes called Andersen's decision to tear up his contract, "unprecedented in college athletics," while Andersen said coaching is not about "the mighty dollar." The latter comment would lead one to believe the 53-year-old simply loves coaching and isn't enamored with the mega contracts that now dominate the sport.
If that's true, you'd think he wants to leap back into coaching — maybe somewhere comfortable, enjoyable and with a little less pressure.
MORE: Potential Replacements for Gary Andersen at Oregon State
Here are five potential head coaching jobs for him in 2018 if he doesn't take a break.
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Utah State
Current Head Coach: Matt Wells
Matt Wells was promoted from offensive coordinator to head coach when Andersen bolted for Wisconsin in December 2012. The former Aggies' quarterback had no head coaching experience but went 19-9 in his first two seasons.
Then came a six-win 2015 and three-win 2016. Utah State has started 3-3 but the wins came against BYU, San Jose State and Idaho State. Don't bet on a stability-savoring program to fire Wells if they reach a bowl game. But if they don't reach six wins, who knows.
Abrupt departures never go over well but Andersen was reportedly on good terms with Utah State administration and key stakeholders when he left.
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BYU
Current Head Coach: Kalani Sitake
Kalani Sitake was Andersen's associate head coach and defensive coordinator in 2015 before he replaced Bronco Mendenhall at BYU last. Following a nine-win 2016 season, the Cougars have been miserable in 2017, starting 1-4 and ranking among the worst offenses in the country.
It's unlikely BYU wants to make a change after one bad year but how can they not consider it if Sitake wins two or three total games and shows no signs of improvement throughout the season?
Andersen coached at Utah, Utah State and Southern Utah, knows the state as well as anyone and could thrive in Provo.
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Weber State
Current Head Coach: Jay Hill
Notice a Utah theme?
Jay Hill is not getting fired; he would need to leave voluntarily for an FBS job. The former Utah cornerback was a longtime Utes' assistant (2001-13) before taking the Weber State job in 2014. After going 2-10 in his first season, Hill is 17-11 since, including 4-1 in 2017.
Andersen has five FCS years on his résumé, most recently as Southern Utah head coach in 2003. He could keep the Wildcats among the FCS's best despite a departure by Hill.
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East Carolina
Current Head Coach: Scottie Montgomery
East Carolina made a huge mistake firing beloved head coach coach Ruffin McNeil, an ECU alum, after the 2012 season. His replacement Scottie Montgomery has failed miserably, going 3-9 last year and starting 1-5 in 2017, with all five losses coming by at least 20 points.
Andersen has never coached anywhere near the east coast and has rarely recruited west of the Mississippi. It's not a great fit but neither was Wisconsin.
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New Mexico
Current Head Coach: Bob Davie
New Mexico won three total games from 2009-11. Bob Davie arrived in December 2011 and delivered unprecedented stability to the program. He won 16 games between 2015 and 2016 but has battled player mistreatment allegations.
If the Lobos want to make a change and capitalize on their recent success, someone like Andersen makes sense. He's recruited the southwest well and would be given a few years to get the program humming.
