Colorado announced on Thursday that head coach Karl Dorrell has made an addition to his coaching staff.

Vic So’oto, the USC defensive line and outside linebackers coach for the past two seasons under the former regime, is joining the Buffaloes program as the new defensive line coach. The hire is still pending approval of the CU Board of Regents.

It’s a major hire for Dorrell and a steal from not just within the conference, but from within the South division. So’oto, 34, is well-respected as a recruiter and highly-regarded as an up-and-coming assistant coach

In 2020, So’oto coached defensive lineman Marlon Tuipulotu to a first-team All-Pac-12 selection and Drake Jackson to a second-team selection.  Another of his players, Tuli Tuipulotu, was named a 2020 second-team Freshman All-American and was a first-team All-Pac-12 performer as a sophomore in 2021, when Jackson repeated as a second-teamer.  He also recruited and signed the No. 2 overall prospect in the 2021 class, defensive lineman Korey Foreman.

“Vic is an impressive young coach,” Dorrell said in a statement.  “He is a great communicator, teacher, and developer who relates very well with his players.   His body of work speaks volumes, and I know our players will gravitate to his teaching style.”

Chris Wilson, according to CU, will continue to serve as the Buffs’ defensive coordinator but will switch from coaching the defensive line to a position “to be determined.”

“I am excited to become a part of Karl Dorrell’s staff at the University of Colorado,” So’oto said in a release. “Teaching and building are my passions and I can’t wait to get started in Boulder.”

A former All-Mountain West defender at BYU from 2005-10, So’oto got his start in coaching as an intern on the Cougars’ staff in 2015 and then a grad assistant on Virginia’s staff the next year. From 2017-19, he served as the Cavaliers’ defensive line coach. He’ll have his work cut out for him in Boulder as he looks to improve a defensive unit that registered just 13 sacks in 12 games in 2021 (fourth-fewest nationally) and 4.9 tackles for loss per game (third-fewest in the Pac-12).