PROVO -- After five seasons as the offensive line coach at Texas Tech, Robert Anae has been named the Cougars' offensive coordinator by Head Coach Bronco Mendenhall.
"Robert shares a similar mindset, not only in scheme, but in philosophy," Mendenhall said. "He has insights into one of the most exciting offensive systems in the country and will bring that excitement to BYU. Robert will make a great addition to our staff."
Anae, a member of BYU's 1984 national championship team, will bring to Provo a version of the Red Raiders' high-flying offense, which produced nearly 4,300 passing yards this past season and led the nation in passing offense, averaging over 388 yards per game. Texas Tech ranked sixth nationally in total offense, posting 482.09 yards per game and ranked 11th nationally, scoring an average 35.36 points per game.
This season marks the third straight year Texas Tech has led the nation in passing offense, dating back to the 2002 season. In 2003, the Red Raiders posted over 475 yards passing per game and finished the year ranked first in the nation in total offense, racking up 582.8 total yards per contest.
The 2003 Broyles Award nominee--which honors the top assistant coach in the country--helped transform the Texas Tech offensive line into one of the top pass-blocking lines in the Big 12. The offensive line put together one of its best seasons in 2003, allowing only 25 sacks.
The Tech running game also took off under Anae's direction with running back Ricky Williams picking up first-team All-Big 12 honors as an all-purpose back and second-team honors as a running back. Taurean Henderson also picked up all-conference honors as one of Tech's top receivers out of the backfield.
Prior to his arrival in Lubbock, Anae was the offensive line coach at UNLV. He also served as the running game coordinator for the Rebels during the 1998 season. In 1996, Anae coached at Boise State. He also spent four seasons at Ricks College, coaching the offensive line.
Anae began his coaching career as an assistant at the University of Hawaii in 1986, working with the offensive line for two seasons. In 1988, he taught school at Kahuku High School before joining the staff at BYU in 1990, where he coached for two seasons.
Anae was an all-conference offensive lineman on the Cougars' national championship team. In addition, Anae helped lead BYU to four straight WAC titles. He was drafted in the third round of the USFL Draft by the New Jersey Generals.
Between coaching stops, Anae spent the 1999 season as an assistant director in the Student-Athlete Center at BYU. He holds a bachelor's degree from BYU in 1986, as well as a master's degree in sociology from Hawaii in 1990. In 1999, Anae received his Ph.D. in sociology from BYU.