Deion Sanders isn’t hiding how much he thinks Colorado’s two new coordinators can change the feel of the program.
Speaking at the school’s fall sports media day on Friday, Aug. 14, Sanders was asked about new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion, who has been around the Buffaloes through the full offseason. Defensive coordinator Chris Marve has also been with the program this offseason, spending the spring and summer with Colorado.
Sanders said both assistants have brought more than scheme.
"I love it. I love Brennan (Marion) and (Chris) Marve.
You gotta understand the personalities that they have a complement me tremendously. I don't have to do all the yelling, all the really holding people accountable.
They're at it. And one thing about these young men, these coaches know how to develop relationships with them," said Sanders.
That relationship-building, Sanders said, reaches beyond him.
"So the relationship is not just towards me. So when they choose to play here, they're not just choosing to play for me. They're choosing to play for these two tremendous coordinators and this group of coaches that are phenomenal," Sanders continued.
He also made clear how much he values Marion personally and professionally.
"I love what he (Marion) brings to the table. We drove back together from. . .
Colorado Springs, and we had a wonderful time, just conversating to one another. We share a lot of things, but I love him to life, man, and he's really, really good at what he does."
That connection has already shown up in recruiting. Colorado currently has the No. 3 class in the Big 12 for the class of 2027, according to Rivals.
The bigger question is whether the new coordinators can help turn the results around on the field after Colorado went 3-9 in 2025. The staff changes were the first move in trying to rebuild the program and push toward a bowl game.
Marion’s arrival points to a clear offensive shift. His “Go-Go” system puts a heavy emphasis on the run game, which is a notable change for a Colorado team that leaned on Shedeur Sanders and a deep group of future NFL wide receivers, but looked unprepared to run the ball once Sanders’ arm was no longer driving the offense. Marion also brought two running backs from Sacramento State with him to Boulder: Damian Henderson and JacQuail Smith.
Marve inherits a defense that had the same kind of trouble stopping the run. Colorado finished No. 135 out of 136 teams in rushing yards allowed, giving up 222.5 per game, and ranked No. 102 nationally in tackles for loss.
With fall camp moving along, Colorado’s season opener against Georgia Tech is getting close. Whether Marion and Marve’s units show immediate progress is still to be seen, but Sanders sounds convinced the changes can move the Buffaloes in the right direction after that 3-9 season.
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Alejandro Mata and Buck Buchanan could now reenter the picture, though, after a recent court ruling raised the possibility of their return. That potential wrinkle adds another layer to a race that already had enough uncertainty, and it leaves Colorado weighing not just who has the strongest leg, but who might actually be available when the season arrives. [Read more 🡒]
Deion Sanders Is Already Counting On One New Colorado Leader
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Lampron joins a roster that is already adjusting to major staff changes, with Brennan Marion taking over as offensive coordinator and Chris Marve moving up to defensive coordinator for the upcoming season. For a team still sorting out its next identity, that kind of leadership from a transfer linebacker could matter quickly, especially as Colorado tries to blend new voices on the sideline with new faces on the field. [Read more 🡒]
Colorados Big 12 Push Just Put New Pressure On Buffs Revenue
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At the same time, Colorado keeps looking for additional ways to expand its revenue stream, and a new partnership with AT&T as the official wireless and wireline sponsor of Buffs athletics is part of that push. Lovo also said the department is still exploring sponsorship patches on football jerseys and naming rights for Folsom Field and the CU Events Center, the kind of deals that could become increasingly important as the Buffs try to match their new conference stage with the money required to stay competitive. [Read more 🡒]