Bold claim: a high-profile coordinator swap could reshape the trajectory of two programs this offseason. Colorado is reportedly pursuing Sacramento State head coach Brennan Marion for its offensive coordinator position, a development first reported by CBS Sports and later detailed by FootballScoop on Thursday.
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders moved to demote offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur last month after the Buffaloes staggered through a 3-9 season. With Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter, and Jimmy Horn Jr. on the roster in 2024, Colorado averaged six yards per play and 32.9 points per game. This season, those numbers slipped to five yards per play and 20.9 points per game. Pass game coordinator Brett Bartolone finished the year as Colorado’s play-caller, with games dropping to 22, 17, and 14 points in losses to West Virginia, Arizona State, and Kansas State.
Marion just completed his first season leading Sacramento State, finishing with a 7-5 record. The Hornets have been aggressively pursuing a pathway to FBS status, including ambitious statements this past summer about joining the Pac-12 and being in the FBS by 2026. Marion has been a central figure in that effort, overseeing recruiting that once secured a commitment from four-star wide receiver Xavier McDonald. Although McDonald ultimately signed with Ole Miss, Sacramento State still posted the 77th-ranked recruiting class in the nation, per 247Sports.
A notable point for Sac State is the challenge of delivering FBS membership by 2026, a hurdle that, according to sources, contributed to concerns about Marion’s long-term fit if the Hornets cannot meet that target.
Losing Marion after a single season would be a significant setback for Sacramento State. His rapid rise has become a recurring pattern in his 15-year coaching journey, with stints lasting two years or fewer at several stops: Howard (OC/ QB, 2017–18) and UNLV (OC/ QB, 2023–24) each spanned two years.
Marion’s coaching path (2015–2025) has included roles at Arizona State (quality control), Oklahoma Baptist (RB), Howard (OC/QB), William & Mary (OC/QB), Hawaii (WR), Pittsburgh (WR), Texas (passing game coordinator/WR), UNLV (OC/QB), and Sacramento State (head coach in 2025).
Sacramento State’s offense under Marion’s Go-Go scheme made a clear leap in Year 1, ranking third in the FCS in rushing (over 260 yards per game) and nearly doubling their 2024 rushing output. Their scoring average rose from 29.3 to 33.8 points per game.
Keep an eye on The Scoop for ongoing updates and more context on how these developments unfold.
