New Mexico State University Athletics

Andrus will be going into his second year on the Aggie staff as an Assistant Coach after joining the New Mexico State family prior to the 2023-24 season. Payne Andrus joined the New Mexico State men's basketball coaching staff in April of 2023 as a part of Coach Jason Hooten’s inaugural staff at NMSU. 

Prior to NMSU, Andrus spent 3 seasons alongside Coach Hooten at Sam Houston, and was an integral part of the 2022-23 season in which the team won 26 games, earned the No. 1 seed in the WAC tournament, and reached the second round of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT).

"Coach Andrus has been with me now for [4] years, and I'm very happy he decided to join Aggie Nation," said Coach Hooten. "Payne is a tireless worker and has really started to come into his own as a young upcoming assistant coach. He understands the ins and outs of our program and what it takes to build a successful culture."

During his 3 years at Sam Houston, Andrus was a part of 63 total wins, including key victories over Oklahoma, Utah, and Santa Clara. Andrus also assisted in the development of 8 all-conference players, including 5 first team all-league players, and 2 conference players of the year, Zach Nutall and Qua Grant. 

During the 22-23 season, the Bearkats ranked fourth in the country (1st in the WAC) in defense, holding opponents to 59.3 points per game. They also held teams 39.1% from the field, ranking fifth in the nation (1st in the WAC).  

Andrus earned his master's degree from Sam Houston State University while serving as a member of the Bearkats' coaching staff as a graduate assistant from 2019-21. At the conclusion of the 2020-21 season, Andrus was recognized by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches as Graduate Assistant Coach of the year. 

In between his two stints at Sam Houston,  Andrus made a stop at Weatherford College, when he took over as an assistant coach during the 2021-22 season. During his single season at WC, Andrus helped lead the Coyotes to their highest win total in five years while scoring nearly 84 points per game. Before leaving Weatherford, Andrus was able to help recruit an entire new team for the 2022-23 season, including 6 all-conference selections.

Prior to joining the collegiate ranks, Andrus began his coaching career at Willis High School, in Willis, TX. During his two years, the Wildkats had two of their most successful seasons in school history, making back-to-back UIL state playoff appearances.

As a player, Andrus began his collegiate career playing division 1 level when he attended the U.S. Naval Academy. Following his time with the Midshipmen, Andrus transferred to Mid-America Nazarene University in Olathe, Kan., where he completed his undergraduate studies, made a Final 4 appearance in 2015-16, and earned all-conference honors in 2016-17.

Andrus is originally from Willis, Texas, and played for his father at Willis High School where he earned all-district, all-region and all-country recognition. He currently lives in Las Cruces with his wife, Addie.