Colorado coach Deion Sanders brought in Brennan Marion from Sacramento State as his offensive coordinator, the creator of a high-speed, run-oriented go-go system.
The school announced the enrollment on Friday. Marion will replace Pat Shurmur, whose contract expired after a 3-9 season. Marion will have highly touted quarterback Julian “Ju Ju” Lewis leading an offense that uses creative formations to create favorable situations.
“We brought in someone who has proven to be creative, innovative, knowledgeable, smart and understands today's players,” Sanders said. “He made a difference on and off the field wherever he was.”
Marion, 38, becomes the third offensive coordinator since Sanders arrived in Colorado ahead of the 2023 season. Sanders started with Sean Lewis, now San Diego State's head coach, before turning the reins over to Shurmur. He ran an offense with weapons like Sheader Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter in 2024, but Colorado has struggled to find its rhythm this season.
Marion spent one season as head coach at Sacramento State, leading the Hornets to a 7-5 mark. They averaged nearly 34 points and 425.6 yards. The leader was running back Rodney Hammond Jr., who averaged more than 101 yards per game.
Colorado is coming off a season in which its offense ranked second to last in the Big 12 in both points (20.9) and rushing (125.6).
“I’m embarrassed that the best player in football, Coach Prime, is looking for me,” Marion said. “My mission is to make sure we bring a great product to market that the entire CU family can be proud of!”
Before Sacramento State, Marion spent two seasons as the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at UNLV. He helped lead the Rebels to a pair of bowl games, relying on a fast-paced offense.
Marion is the creator of a go-go offense that emphasizes creativity and pace – he wants to run a lot of plays. He even wears a chain around his neck that says “Go-Go.”
In 2023, UNLV scored 40 or more points in a program-record six games. That season, the Rebels ranked top 10 in the FBS in third down conversions and red zone offense. Their average score was 34.4 points.
Marion also worked at Texas with head coach Steve Sarkisian as the passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach. While there, Marion was mentored by Xavier Worthy, who now plays for the Kansas City Chiefs. Marion was also the wide receivers coach in Pittsburgh, where he worked with Biletnikov Award winner Jordan Addison, a first-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 2023.
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