A little over a week ago, it was reported that BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall had advised his entire offensive staff to seek other employment opportunities.
One of those assistants has officially taken his now-former boss’ advise.
Following up on a morning filled with rumors prompted by tweets from the esteemed Chris Level, BYU issued a press release this afternoon announcing that offensive coordinator Robert Anae has resigned his position on the BYU football staff and will pursue other opportunities.
“I have decided to resign at BYU and look forward to taking on the next chapter in my life and career,” Anae said. “I want to express my gratitude to this university and to Coach Mendenhall for the opportunity I have had to coach at my alma mater and all we were able to accomplish over the past six seasons.”
“I have tremendous respect for Robert Anae,” Mendenhall said. “Robert is extremely loyal and trustworthy and a man of principle, faith and character. I appreciate all he has done for our program and for me personally the past six years. I consider him a dear friend.”
As for the “other employment opportunities”, the rumor mill’s already spitting out a fairly juicy one.
Before going to the Cougars in 2005, Anae served as the offensive line coach at Texas Tech from 2000-2004. The Red Raiders’ head coach at the time was, of course, Mike Leach, who we have confirmed is interviewing for the Maryland job Thursday. Some speculation earlier today has even gone so far as to state that the talk connecting Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn to the Terrapins is nothing but a smokescreen and that Leach will officially be announced at some point in the very near future.
Given Anae’s ties to Leach, and the former leaving to pursue other employment opportunities, is this a sign that The Pirate is on the verge of a return to the sidelines? It’s certainly far from concrete evidence, but it is something that perks your ears up a little bit.