Indiana State names Sanford head football coach

Dec 15, 2012 - 4:32 AM Terre Haute, IN (Sports Network) - Indiana State University director of athletics Ron Prettyman announced the hiring of Mike Sanford as the Sycamore's new head football coach on Friday.

Sanford takes over for former coach Trent Miles, who left to become the head coach at Georgia State.

"It is with great anticipation that I welcome our new head football coach, Mr. Mike Sanford to the Sycamore Athletics Family," Prettyman said. "He is a tremendous football coach and an even better person to lead our young men in our football program. His experience, his work ethic, his commitment to education, family and faith are all qualities that will help to shape the future of our program for years to come. Please join me in welcoming Coach Sanford to Indiana State University and Terre Haute."

Sanford, an offensive-minded coach, has head coaching experience at UNLV (2005-09) and recently spent the 2012 season with FBS Utah State as the assistant head coach, running backs and tight ends coach.

Utah State finished the regular season with a 10-2 record and No. 22 BCS ranking and plays Toledo is the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on Dec. 15.

"I am extremely excited and passionate about becoming the new head coach of the Sycamore football program," Sanford said. "I look forward to continuing and building upon what this team accomplished over the past three seasons. I especially want to thank Indiana State University President Dan Bradley and Director of Athletics Ron Prettyman for this opportunity."

The 57-year -old Sanford began his coaching career with his alma mater, Southern California as a graduate assistant in 1977. He also has Division I coaching experience at Louisville, Utah, Notre Dame, Purdue, Long Beach State, Virginia Military Institute and Army.

The Sycamores had won just one contest in three seasons before Miles' arrival in 2008. He led a dramatic turnaround with three winning records the last three years, including a 7-4 record this season.

Sanford will be formally introduced on Monday at a press conference that is open to the public at 2 p.m. ET.