KEY POINTS
- Colorado is actively pursuing a new special teams coordinator after finishing near the bottom nationally in punting and kick protection.
- Michael Pollock, who held the position in 2025, is not expected to continue in the role.
- Sanders’ staff overhaul follows multiple departures and shifts across the program ahead of the 2026 season.
Colorado, Colo. — Head coach Deion Sanders is searching for a new special teams coordinator for the Colorado Buffaloes as the program enters its fourth season under his leadership.
The move comes following a 3‑9 2025 campaign and reflects Sanders’ ongoing restructuring of his coaching staff.
Sanders, widely known as “Coach Prime,” has held discussions with several candidates for the special teams position but has not finalized a hire.
The decision is part of broader adjustments designed to address weaknesses highlighted during a season that included a five game losing streak to close 2025.
Michael Pollock, previously brought to Colorado as an analyst in 2024, led the Buffaloes’ special teams unit in 2025.
The team ranked 109th nationally in net punting and allowed four blocked kicks, metrics that underlined ongoing struggles in the kicking and return phases.
Pollock joined Sanders’ staff at Jackson State as co-offensive coordinator and followed him to Colorado, later transitioning to special teams coordinator.
Sanders’ tenure at Colorado has included notable staff turnover. Brennan Marion replaced Pat Shurmur as offensive coordinator during the 2025 season, marking the program’s third offensive coordinator under Sanders.
Additional departures include veteran analyst Josh Conklin, who moved to Virginia Tech, and top personnel staffer Corey Phillips, who joined Memphis under first year head coach Charles Huff.
Jeff Potrykus, a college football analyst and co-host of Movin’ the Chains, said special teams often reflect larger programmatic health.
“A struggling punting and kickoff unit often points to broader structural and cohesion issues within a team,” Potrykus said.
Dr. Emily Jarrett, associate professor of sports management at the University of Northern Colorado, emphasized the effect of staff instability on player performance.
“Units like special teams rely on consistency and clear communication,” Jarrett said. “Frequent turnover can disrupt development and execution.”
| Category | 2025 Colorado | NCAA Average | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 3‑9 | N/A | 7 losing seasons in past 8 years |
| Net Punting Rank | 109th | 65th | Measured in yards per punt |
| Blocked Kicks Allowed | 4 | 1.5 | One of the worst in FBS |
| Coaching Turnover | Multiple | Varies | 3 offensive coordinators in 4 seasons |
Mike Mallory, a veteran collegiate special teams coach, highlighted the importance of culture. “Hiring someone with the right approach is crucial.
It’s not just about schemes but player engagement and practice routines,” Mallory said.
Linebacker Tyler Sanderson, team captain in 2025, said the team is focused on improvement. “We know special teams hurt us last year. Everyone wants to get better and compete at every level,” Sanderson said.
Sanders’ search for a new coordinator is expected to continue into the spring. The hire will be central to addressing deficiencies in special teams and setting the tone for the upcoming season.
Administrative changes, including the pending departure of athletic director Rick George, could also influence staffing decisions and recruiting strategies.
Colorado opens the 2026 season Sept. 5 at Georgia Tech and will face a mix of nonconference and Big 12 opponents, testing the impact of the staff changes.
As Deion Sanders continues to reshape the Colorado Buffaloes’ coaching staff, securing a competent special teams coordinator will be critical to the program’s efforts to reverse recent struggles and stabilize performance in all phases of the game.
FAQs – Colorado Buffaloes Special Teams Coordinator
Q: Who is Colorado looking to hire as special teams coordinator?
A: Colorado is searching for a new special teams coordinator after Michael Pollock’s 2025 season.
Q: Why did Colorado change its special teams coordinator?
A: The team struggled in punting and kick protection, ranking 109th nationally and allowing four blocked kicks.
Q: When will Colorado’s new coordinator be announced?
A: No official date yet, but the search is expected to continue through the winter ahead of the 2026 season.
Q: How does this affect the Buffaloes’ 2026 season?
A: The hire will be crucial for improving special teams and overall team performance in Big 12 play.
Author’s perspective
In my analysis, Colorado’s search for a new special teams coordinator reflects a strategic emphasis on phase specific performance optimization and talent alignment under Coach Prime.
Having tracked collegiate program rebuilds, staff cohesion directly drives measurable game day efficiency. I predict that elite Big 12 programs will adopt advanced analytics in special teams recruiting. For players and fans, this signals higher precision and consistency.
NOTE! This report was compiled from multiple reliable sources, including official statements, press releases, and verified media coverage.
