Robert Anae is out as NC State’s offensive coordinator after two seasons, and he will be replaced by quarterbacks coach Kurt Roper. The school also announced Monday that Gavin Locklear is the new tight ends coach.
The change at offensive coordinator has felt necessary for a while now, and the performance in the Military Bowl over the weekend didn’t do anything to alter that perception. Anae never seemed to find a groove calling plays this season, and his offensive approach mostly felt aimless. As good a job as he did at the end of 2023, he hit the opposite end of the spectrum this fall.
The upgrades at the skill positions were largely squandered as a result, like he never could figure out where to best focus the offense’s energy. To some extent, he helped KC Concepcion out the door. It was time to go in a different direction.
Roper is a bit of a gamble as the replacement, as it’s been a minute since he last served as an OC. He did good work at Duke back in the day, though, and his good relationship with CJ Bailey will help.