SIOUX FALLS -- Jon Anderson, a former defensive coordinator who helped guide the University of Sioux Falls Football Team through one of its most successful periods, was named to lead the USF Football Program during a press conference at the Bob Young Field Pressbox on Tuesday afternoon.

USF Director of Athletics Josh Snyder made the announcement of Anderson, who becomes the 21st coach in USF program history and replaces Jed Stugart, who was 65-16 with an NSIC title in 2016. USF President Mark Benedetto also welcomed Coach Anderson and his wife, Amanda, during the press conference.
    
"We are excited to announce the hiring of Coach (Jon) Anderson to take over our football program," said Snyder.  "He is one of our own with a long history of success with our program. Additionally, he's a great fit for this university in that he embodies our 'Culture for Service' motto. By that I mean his passion shines for teaching and mentoring young men both on and off the field to help them develop as whole persons, citizens and members of the community as well as focused student-athletes."
 
While a coach with USF from 2002-2012, Anderson helped lead the Cougars to a 134-26 record, three NAIA championships (2006, 2008, 2009), as well as the program first, nine-win team at the NCAA DII level. Most recently Anderson served as the head coach at West Virginia State for four seasons (10-34 record). He also made sure to keep the program involved in the community through projects such as Breast Cancer Awareness, Flood Relief, Coach to Cure MD, the Relay for Life, WVSU Cares Day, and work at Dunbar Primary School.

"I am humbled and honored by the opportunity to be the Head Coach at the University of Sioux Falls. I would like to thank the Board of Trustees, President (Mark) Benedetto, and Director of Athletics, Josh Snyder for their confidence in my leadership," Anderson said.
    
In accepting the USF position, Anderson comes home in a certain respect. He spent 11 years with USF, including his final three seasons as defensive coordinator. Overall, the Cougars posted a 134-26 record including a 21-5 playoff record with Anderson as part of the coaching staff. At the DII level, he   was part of the staff and team that was 5-4 in the transition year from NAIA to NCAA DII in 2011 and the 9-2 team squad in 2012. The 2012 team earned USF's first ever national ranking in its first year as member of the NSIC. In fact, the Cougars climbed as high as No. 17 in the AFCA poll and were ranked seven times in that national poll.
    
"The USF community has been a special place for my family and me," Anderson said. "The opportunity to come back and renew so many meaningful relationships is something I look forward to beginning today. The opportunity to coach at  a university with such a quality education and a long football tradition is a true blessing.  I look forward to building lasting relationships with this team," noted Anderson.

Anderson takes over a squad that will return 12 starters including three All-NSIC first team performers. Junior Max Mickey, an all-region standout who led the nation in rushing yards (8.6) and was second in yards with school record 1,764, is one of the leaders on offense. Also back is first-team performers Josh Butler at safety and wide receiver/returner Kyle Groeneweg; and second team all-leaguers Trey Pipkins and Jesse Springer on the offensive line, tight end Nicholas Stanke, safety Jeffrey Harman, linebacker Kyle Campiotti, and All-NSIC honorable mention selection Brian Mayberry, a defensive tackle. This group was part of a 2016 team that recorded th program's 20th overall conference crown and a 23rd consecutive winning season, the fifth longest across all divisions.

While Anderson coached at USF, the Cougars dominated its conference opponents, winning 92-of-95 conference games. In 2009, the school posted a perfect 15-0 record in claiming its second consecutive NAIA national championship.

In 2012, Anderson's defensive unit was among the conference leaders in scoring defense, surrendering only 20.2 points a game. The Cougars' defense was also among the league leaders in forcing turnovers taking the ball away from opponents 29 times, including 23 interceptions. The 2012 defensive unit built on the success of the 2011 team when the Cougars' defense forced 21 turnovers and gave up just 21.6 points per game.

During Anderson's three years as defensive coordinator, the Cougars posted a 27-7 record and limited opponents to an average of 16 points per game. Prior to being named the Cougars' defensive coordinator, Anderson served eight years as the special team's coordinator and linebackers coach. In that role, he coached five All-Americans and eight All-Conference players.

Anderson, a native of Maryville, Missouri, played college football for four years at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa, and coached the secondary at his alma mater during the 1999 and 2000 seasons.

He moved to Madison, South Dakota, to join the Dakota State University staff as the linebackers and special teams coach for the 2001 season. He arrived at USF for the 2002 season and earned his master's degree from South Dakota State University in 2003. He worked with legendary head coach Bob Young, and former head coaches Kalen DeBoer and Jed Stugart.

He and his wife, Amanda, have two sons, Trevor and Tyce.

What others say about Anderson
Bob Young, former USF head coach, all-time wins leader at 172-69-3
"I think Jon (Anderson) is the right fit for the time. With him knowing about the program, I believe he will come in and do a great job. He is a good up-and-coming coach. I believe in him."

Kalen DeBoer, Offensive Coordinator, Eastern Michigan, former USF Head Coach from 2005-09

"Under Jon's (Anderson) leadership, I am excited and confident that USF football will continue to grow and reach new heights. His passion and understanding of the USF culture makes him a great fit to lead the football program."