The Arizona game, a tough loss for Colorado, reportedly featured a change in who was calling the offensive plays.
According to USA Today’s reporting, Pat Shurmur, the offensive coordinator, wasn’t the one making the offensive play calls against the Wildcats. Following the Buffaloes’ defeat against Utah, Shurmur was reportedly reassigned, and Brett Bartolone, the tight ends coach and passing game coordinator, took over his responsibilities.
“It’s possible I’ve already made adjustments without fanfare,” Sanders stated during his Tuesday press conference when the subject of potential staffing changes arose. “I don’t make announcements and draw attention to every decision. I prefer to implement changes quietly and allow you all to speculate. You might not even realize you’re focusing on the wrong details.”
Bartolone’s introduction in this role didn’t have a promising start. In the Utah game, Colorado gained 140 yards over 68 plays, during the 53-7 loss. Against Arizona, the Buffaloes managed 299 yards over 77 plays but had five turnovers, in the 52-17 loss. This loss pushed Colorado’s record to 3-6 overall and 1-5 in the Big 12.
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Shurmur has been a part of the coaching staff since Sanders became the head coach at Colorado. The former head coach of the New York Giants initially joined the team as a quality control coach. Later, he was promoted to offensive coordinator during the middle of the 2023 season. Sean Lewis, the individual he succeeded as the team’s play-caller, is currently the head coach at San Diego State. This season, the Aztecs have a 7-1 record.
In 2023, the Colorado offense averaged 5.2 yards per play, and the Buffaloes ended the season with a 4-8 record. In 2024, when Colorado achieved a 9-4 record and Travis Hunter secured the Heisman, the Buffaloes averaged 6.1 yards per play. As of this season, Colorado’s average is back to 5.2 yards per play. However, the team’s rushing statistics are the best they’ve been since Sanders took over as coach.
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With a 3-6 record and three games remaining, the Buffaloes must secure victories in all three of their final games to qualify for a bowl game. Colorado will face West Virginia on Saturday, followed by games against Arizona State and Kansas State to conclude the season.
