Colorado announces Mike Sanford as new offensive coordinator
Following one of the worst seasons on offense in recent Colorado football history, head coach Karl Dorrell relieved Darrin Chiaverini of his duties as offensive coordinator.
On Friday, the Buffs announced the hiring of his replacement. Mike Sanford is coming from the Big Ten to the Pac-12.
Welcome to Boulder, @Coach_Sanford2 🤝
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— Colorado Buffaloes Football (@CUBuffsFootball) December 17, 2021
Sanford, 39, comes to Colorado after having spent 2 years at Minnesota as the Gophers’ offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. His coaching resume includes titles coaching almost every position on offense, experience as a recruiting coordinator, and 2 years as a head coach at Western Kentucky.
The former Boise State quarterback has been all over the country in short order. He has been an offensive coordinator at Boise State, Notre Dame, and Utah State as well in addition to coaching a number of positions at Stanford.
Colorado went 4-8 this season, averaging just under 19 points a game. Sanford and the Gophers agreed to part ways on Nov. 29. It was not specified in the release whether Sanford will also hold the title of quarterback coach, as Chiaverini did before him.
“Mike’s extensive experience and pedigree speaks for itself,” Dorrell said in a statement. “What attracted me to him was his familiarity with the Pac-12 and this part of the country, his coaching experience, success as a coordinator and developing players over his career.
“His journey through the profession has been solid, yet he is still a fairly young coach with great coaching experience at the Power 5 level. He has worked under some of the best in the business, has great knowledge of offensive football and in our discussions, has a great vision for Colorado football.”