A familiar face is returning to lead the Lancers after their historic two-season run under Ben McEnroe.

Branden Anderson has been named the next football head coach at Thousand Oaks, principal Eric Bergmann announced in a press release to the school.

Anderson, a Thousand Oaks alumni and former Lancers quarterback, returns to the program after serving as Newbury Park’s offensive coordinator for the past three seasons. He succeeds Ben McEnroe, who resigned in early February after a historic two-year run:

Ben McEnroe Resigns as Thousand Oaks High School Head Coach – The Lancer

Anderson is no stranger to Thousand Oaks as he graduated from Thousand Oaks in 2015 and played quarterback for the Lancers.

Anderson brings experience, having previously coached at Westlake and Thousand Oaks before joining Newbury Park. Last season he helped the Panthers go undefeated and capture the CIF-SS Division 2 championship.

Under Anderson’s guidance, quarterback Brady Smigel set a new record for career passing yards with 11,222, while wide receiver Shane Rosenthal recorded 304 career receptions, both all-time Ventura County records.

Thousand Oaks is set to return key players, rising senior quarterback Jackson Taylor and tight end Hayden Vercher. The Lancers have also added three-star tight end Kaden Glover, a highly recruited prospect with multiple Division I FBS offers.

The Lancers have struggled against Newbury Park in the past three years, going 1-3 against the Panthers over the past three seasons, including a loss in the CIF-Southern Section semifinals. Anderson now looks to turn the tide as he returns to his alma mater.

Anderson will be finalized as the head coach pending board approval. Thousand Oaks went 8-5 this past season, and 3-2 in Canyon League play.