The Colorado Buffaloes have appointed Brennan Marion as their new offensive coordinator, following his departure from Sacramento State, where he served as head coach for just one season. This move was confirmed by sources to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Marion guided Sacramento State to a 7-5 record, finishing 5-3 in the Big Sky Conference during his inaugural year.
Marion informed his team at Sacramento State of his decision to leave, as the Buffaloes aim to revitalize their offensive strategy. He becomes the third offensive coordinator in four years under head coach Deion Sanders. The coaching changes reflect the Buffaloes’ struggles, as they had a disappointing season, concluding with a 3-9 record, including 1-8 in the Big 12 Conference. The team lost its final five games of the season after a more promising 9-4 finish the previous year.
Marion’s Coaching Journey
Before his tenure at Sacramento State, Marion spent two years as the offensive coordinator at UNLV, where he was instrumental in leading the Rebels to two appearances in the Mountain West Championship. He was known for implementing an innovative offensive scheme dubbed the “Go-Go” offense, which emphasized a fast-paced, dynamic style of play.
At Sacramento State, Marion made a notable impact, improving the team’s win total by four games compared to the previous season. His ability to enhance team performance caught the attention of the Buffaloes as they look to turn around their recent fortunes.
Marion takes over a role that has seen significant turnover. Prior to his appointment, Sean Lewis was hired as offensive coordinator before the 2023 season but was later demoted mid-season. Pat Shurmur, a veteran coach previously with the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants, held the position until he too lost play-calling responsibilities.
With Marion now at the helm, there are hopes that the Buffaloes can regain their competitive edge and improve on last season’s performance. His track record at Sacramento State and UNLV suggests he possesses the capability to develop a potent offensive unit that can excel in the challenging landscape of college football.
Marion’s hiring marks a new chapter for the Buffaloes as they prepare for the upcoming season, with the coaching staff looking to implement fresh strategies and foster a winning culture in Boulder. His experience and innovative approach may be exactly what the team needs to bounce back from a difficult season.
