Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders has made a significant personnel change that could hint at the end of Pat Shurmur“s time with the program. Following a dismal performance against the Utah Utes, in which the Buffaloes lost 53-7, Sanders has demoted Shurmur from offensive coordinator to quarterbacks coach. This move mirrors his earlier decision in 2023 when he removed then-play-caller Sean Lewis from his position.
According to reports from USA Today”s Brent Schrotenboer, tight ends coach and passing game coordinator Brett Bartolone has been calling plays since the defeat at Utah. The decision to strip Shurmur of his duties came after the team”s latest loss to the Arizona Wildcats, which ended in a 52-17 defeat, marking the worst home loss during Sanders” era.
During his weekly press conference, Sanders hinted at possible adjustments within the coaching staff, indicating that he is not satisfied with the current state of the team. The offensive struggles this season have been stark, especially compared to the high-scoring performances of the previous year, which raises questions about Shurmur”s ability to adapt and utilize the significant investments made in the quarterback position.
Shurmur, a veteran coach with nearly 40 years in the profession, now faces an uncertain future with the Buffaloes. His demotion midseason suggests that regaining his former position may be unlikely, particularly as the team”s offensive performance continues to falter. While he successfully guided quarterback Shedeur Sanders to the NFL, his effectiveness in Boulder appears diminished.
Unlike Lewis, who quickly found a new opportunity with the San Diego State Aztecs, Shurmur may need to take on a different role, potentially as an offensive analyst in the NFL, before he can secure another significant coaching position. The current situation in Boulder is a stark reminder of the pressures that come with coaching at the collegiate level, especially when outcomes do not meet expectations.
