Colorado Shuffles Coaching Staff: Pat Shurmur Becomes Co-Offensive Coordinator
Colorado football is making changes to its coaching staff as analyst Pat Shurmur is set to become the co-offensive coordinator alongside Sean Lewis. Shurmur will also assist with the offensive line, according to a Colorado spokesman. This move comes after a string of disappointing performances by the Buffaloes, who have lost four of their last five games.
Pat Shurmur, 58, joined Colorado this offseason after taking a year off from football. He brings a wealth of experience to the team, having previously served as the head coach for the New York Giants (2018-19) and the Cleveland Browns (2011-12). Shurmur also worked as the offensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos in 2020-21. While he has an extensive NFL background, his last college coaching experience dates back to 1998 when he coached Stanford’s offensive line.
Sean Lewis, who left his position as Kent State’s head coach after the 2022 season, is currently Colorado’s offensive coordinator under coach Deion Sanders. Lewis will still be involved in play calling, according to a source familiar with the discussions. The Buffaloes have not confirmed which of their 10 on-field coaches will make room for Shurmur’s promotion.
The decision to bring in Shurmur highlights the team’s struggles on offense this season. Colorado has allowed 42 sacks, ranking second to last among all FBS teams. Additionally, they rank last nationally in yards per carry, averaging just 2.51. These numbers reflect the team’s difficulty in running the ball effectively.
Deion Sanders expressed his concerns about the team’s one-dimensional offense after their recent loss to UCLA. He emphasized the need to improve the running game, stating that it becomes easy for opponents to stop a team when they are one-dimensional. Sanders was also critical of the offensive line’s performance, suggesting that changes need to be made.
The Buffaloes have given up 24 tackles for loss in the run game this season, including sacks. They have also run the ball just 251 times, ranking 114th nationally. Sanders believes that negative yards on first down put the team at a significant disadvantage, as it becomes predictable for opponents to anticipate pass plays on second down.
Colorado’s upcoming game against Oregon State will be a crucial test for the team. They will need to address their offensive struggles and find ways to improve their running game. The addition of Pat Shurmur as co-offensive coordinator and his expertise in coaching the offensive line could provide the necessary boost for the Buffaloes.
In conclusion, Colorado’s decision to shuffle its coaching staff by promoting Pat Shurmur to co-offensive coordinator reflects the team’s struggles on offense. With a lackluster running game and a high number of sacks allowed, changes were necessary to revitalize the offense. Shurmur’s extensive experience in the NFL and his previous college coaching experience make him a valuable addition to the coaching staff. The Buffaloes will look to improve their performance in their upcoming game against Oregon State and turn their season around.
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