Prior to being hired at Valdosta State in January 2022, Brandon Andersen spent two seasons as defensive coordinator for the Mavericks under now-VSU head coach Tremaine Jackson. He helped lead CMU to an 8-2 record this past season, including a thrilling 26-21 victory over then-No. 3-ranked Colorado School of Mines on Oct. 23, 2021, for Homecoming. It was the Mavericks’ first victory over a top five opponent since they became a NCAA Division II institution in 1994.
In 2021, the Mavericks finished 13th nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 15.6 points per game, while the team finished tenth nationally in total defense at 258.2 yards allowed per game. Andersen’s defense was 33rd nationally in rushing defense at 110.1 yards allowed on the ground per game, while the team was 11th nationally in passing yards allowed at just 148.1 per contest. CMU allowed just 168 first downs for the season for 16th nationally and finished 35th nationally in sacks at 2.8 per game.
Individually, CMU safety Damar’ren Mitchell earned AP Division II All-America Second Team honors, finishing with a team-high 73 tackles and registered three games of double-digit tackles. Mitchell also earned AFCA All-America honors as a second team selection. Andersen’s defense had Mitchell, along with defensive end Torren Calhoun earn First Team All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference honors, while cornerback Darrien Young and defensive tackle Brian Rattery were second team honorees.
Prior to CMU, Andersen spent three seasons with the Lions of Lindenwood as the team’s linebacker coach. He coached a strong core of linebackers, as Lindenwood allowed the fewest yards since the 2013 season. The Lions allowed just 385.3 yards per game, the best mark for the Lions in the last eight years. Andersen played a strong role in the success of Drew Seers and CJ Bivens. Seers was named third-team all-MIAA, while Bivens was named honorable-mention all-MIAA.
In his first season at Lindenwood, Andersen oversaw a linebackers unit that returned no starters from the previous season. His linebackers played a key role in the team’s defense allowing 27.2 points a game, 7.2 points fewer than the previous year. It was the first time since the 2012 season that Lindenwood allowed fewer than 30 points a game for the season. Lindenwood’s linebackers helped the Lions improve across the board statistically, including allowing over 100 fewer yards per game.
Andersen helped true freshman Drew Seers be named the team’s Newcomer of the Year. Seers, CJ Bivens, and Nate Blanchard all ranked among the team’s top-five tackles for the season.
Prior to his time at Lindenwood, Andersen served as the linebackers coach for University of Sioux Falls from 2012-2016. He was also the recruiting coordinator for his final three seasons in Sioux Falls.
Andersen played a big role in Sioux Falls’ defensive success. In the span of three seasons, the Cougars sported a 32-5 record and advanced to three postseason appearances. The 2016 squad, which was ranked in the top-five nationally, won the NSIC Championship and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
In 2016, Andersen coached a linebacker core that earned First Team All NSIC, Second-Team All-NSIC and Honorable Mention All- Conference recognition. In all he has coached seven all-conference performers.
Andersen was a four-year linebacker at Sioux Falls from 2008-2011. He was a two-year starter, and tallied 87 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and four sacks throughout his career. From 2008-2010, Andersen helped Sioux Falls to 34-1, advance to three NAIA National Championship games, and win two NAIA National Championships.
He received his bachelor's degree in business administration from Sioux Falls in 2011.
