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Mike Sanford's career track has led him back to Utah.
The former Utah offensive coordinator and former head coach at UNLV will be named Utah State's newest assistant coach, The Salt Lake Tribune has learned.
Sanford will replace Ilaisa Tuiaki, who left the Aggies last week for Kyle Whittingham's staff at Utah. At USU, Sanford will be the running backs and tight ends coach. Utah State still needs a recruiting coordinator, but it likely won't be Sanford.
On paper, this is a significant hire for the Aggies, who will, in effect, have two offensive coordinators on its staff. Sanford spent last season with Louisville as its OC, and will be paid by the school through December.
At Utah, Sanford directed the Utes offense during their undefeated 2004 season, with Alex Smith as the quarterback. That team went on to beat Pittsburgh in the Fiesta Bowl to finish 12-0.
UNLV hired Sanford largely on the success of that season, but things never clicked for him with the Rebels. Sanford's UNLV teams went 16-43 and he was fired after five seasons.
Still, his experience should help Andersen's staff, which will break in Matt Wells as a first year offensive coordinator.
Sanford interviewed for the Utah State job on Monday. His hiring is expected to be made official as early as Wednesday.
Utah State went 7-6 this past season and made its first bowl appearance since 1997.
Twitter: @tonyaggieville —
Mike Sanford
Has been coaching since 1977
Is a former offensive coordinator at Utah
Was the head coach at UNLV for five seasons