Brandon Andersen was named Defensive Coordinator at Prairie View A&M University on January 14, 2025, bringing with him a decade of experience and a strong track record of building top-tier defenses at the NCAA Division II and FCS levels.
Prior to joining the Panthers, Andersen served as the Defensive Coordinator at Valdosta State University from 2022 to 2024. There, he reunited with head coach Tremaine Jackson, continuing a successful coaching partnership first established at Colorado Mesa University (CMU). Under Andersen’s leadership, Valdosta State consistently improved defensively, building on his reputation as one of the sharpest defensive minds in the college game.
Before his time at Valdosta State, Andersen spent two seasons (2020–2021) as the Defensive Coordinator at CMU, where he helped lead the Mavericks to an 8-2 record in 2021. That season included a signature 26-21 Homecoming victory over then-No. 3 Colorado School of Mines—the program’s first-ever win against a top-five NCAA Division II opponent.
Statistically, Andersen’s 2021 CMU defense was one of the nation’s best. The Mavericks finished 13th nationally in scoring defense (15.6 points per game), 10th in total defense (258.2 yards per game), and ranked among the top 35 in rushing defense, passing defense, sacks, and first downs allowed. His unit featured standout performers like safety Damar’ren Mitchell, who earned AP Division II and AFCA Second Team All-America honors, and a number of All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference selections including Torren Calhoun, Darrien Young, and Brian Rattery.
Prior to CMU, Andersen spent three seasons as the linebackers coach at Lindenwood University. There, he rebuilt a young unit from scratch, leading them to significant statistical improvements. The Lions gave up over 100 fewer yards per game in Andersen’s first year, and for the first time since 2012, held opponents to under 30 points per game. He played a crucial role in the development of standout linebackers Drew Seers—who earned third-team All-MIAA honors—and CJ Bivens.
From 2012 to 2016, Andersen served as the linebackers coach and later the recruiting coordinator at the University of Sioux Falls. His time with the Cougars coincided with one of the program’s most successful periods, including a 32-5 record across three seasons, an NSIC Championship in 2016, and multiple postseason appearances. That year, Andersen’s linebacker corps featured multiple all-conference selections and was instrumental in Sioux Falls’ nationally-ranked defense.
As a player, Andersen was a two-year starting linebacker at Sioux Falls from 2008–2011. He totaled 87 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and four sacks in his career, helping lead the Cougars to a 34-1 record from 2008–2010. During that span, Sioux Falls reached three NAIA National Championship games and won two national titles.
Andersen earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Sioux Falls in 2011. His coaching journey, built on relentless development, discipline, and defensive excellence, now continues at Prairie View A&M as he looks to elevate the Panthers’ defense to new heights.
