Brandon Andersen enters his fourth season as linebackers coach and second year as recruiting coordinator for the University of Sioux Falls.
In 2014, Andersen was part of a defensive staff, which helped he Cougars put together one of the nation's top defenses. The Cougars defense, which transitioned to a 4-3 in 2014, played a central role in USF’s 11-1 record and final rankings of #16 (D2football.com) and #18 (AFCA) in the national polls. USF’s defense put a finishing touch on the season by allowing just 10 points (42-10), forcing three turnovers and tying a season-high with five sacks in a Mineral Water Bowl win over Central Oklahoma on Dec. 6, 2014.
During the 2014 campaign, the Cougars ranked 12th in the nation in scoring defense (17.4 ppg). In addition, USF was one of the nation's best in forcing turnovers, converting seven (nation-high) into defensive TDs. The Cougars recorded 26 interceptions which ranked best in the league and second nationally. Those interceptions combined with 14 fumble recoveries gave USF a turnover margin of 1.67 (40-to-20) which ranked fourth in the nation. In addition, the defense/special teams had a nation-best 10 TDs (seven on defense). In fact, the Cougars allowed just 12 passing TDs and 13 rushing TDs on the season. After allowing 26.8 points (295) in 2013, the Cougars gave up just 17.4 (181) in 2014, a total which ranked second in the NSIC and 12th in NCAA DII.
The Cougars ranked 12th (221.0) in the NSIC in pass defense in 2013 but moved up to third (204.4). In rushing defense, the Cougars improved from 13th (220.1) in 2013 to fourth (152.4) in league stats during 2014. Meanwhile, the team jumped from 13th in total defense (441.1) to third (356.8) in the NSIC -- an improvement of 85 yards per game. In 2014, USF was first in the NSIC in pass defense efficiency at 90.5 and ranked fourth nationally. In addition, the Cougars ranked third in the league with 30 sacks, including two games of five or more and four games with at least four sacks or better.
Andersen's linebacking core ws recognized as linebackers Carter Ahlers (79T, 8 TFLs, 3 sacks, 2 int.) and Cameron Ostrom (77T 9.5 TFLs, 4 sacs, 2 int.) were named honorable mention All-NSIC. Ostrom had a pair of defensive TDs, including an 88-yard interception TD return in week two on the road vs. Bemidji State. In total, USF linebackers accounted for 307 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, five interceptions and four fumble recoveries. Five Cougars (Carter Ahlers, Cameron Ostrom, Nathan Lucs, Jess Williams and Clint Wilson) were named Academic All-NSIC.
During 2013, Anderson served as outside lnebackers coach and video coordinator, which was his second year handling the dual role. During that season, USF finished sixth in the NSIC in defensive scoring.
In 2012, Andersen’s linebacking unit played a major part of USF’s defense that ranked fourth in interceptions (20), 10th in turnover margin (+1.30), 25th in pass efficiency defense (108.87), 34th in scoring defense (20.80) and 35th in tackles for loss (7.50). His starting OLBs accumulated 132 tackles, 23.5 TFL and eight sacks.
Andersen mentored first-team All-NSIC selection and BSN All-America HM OLB Nick Bonte. Under his direction, Bonte ranked second in the conference for TFL (17.5), 23rd nationally in 2012.
Prior to coaching, Andersen enjoyed a four-year football career at USF, spanning from 2008-2011. A two-year starter at outside linebacker, Andersen tallied 87 tackles, 21 tackles for loss and four sacks during his career.
Andersen was also a member of the USF squad that went 34-1en route to two national championships and three consecutive National Championship appearances in three seasons.
Andersen received his bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Sioux Falls in December of 2011.
A native of Marion, S.D., Brandon prepped at Marion (S.D.). His brother, Blake also played linebacker for the Cougars.
