in addition to andersen's hiring, the football program's renaissance can be attributed in part to a recent emphasis, under athletics director scott barnes, on recruiting, tv coverage, fundraising, facilities upgrades, and internal reorganization, despite the athletics department's dismal budget in comparison with other state and wac schools. in recognition of these efforts, usu athletics was crowned the 2009 national champion of the excellence in management cup, which seeks to identify the university that wins the most championships with the lowest expenses matt wells was named head coach of usu's football team prior to the 2013–2014 season.