Deion Sanders, Colorado Set to Replace Hall of Famer on Coaching Staff
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Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes are expected to name Johnnie Mack as the program’s new running backs coach after Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk left to become the head coach at Southern University.
Mack spent the 2025 season as an offensive analyst and assistant running backs coach. He previously served as a running backs coach at East Central and Houston Baptist, though this will be his first time holding that title at an FBS program.
However, Mack has FBS position-coach experience. He worked as North Texas’s inside receivers and return specialists coach in 2017. He’ll be Sanders’ third running backs coach in four seasons, joining Gary “Flea” Harrell (2023–24) and Faulk (2025). Harrell previously coached with Sanders at Jackson State.
The Boulder Daily Camera’s Brian Howell, who broke the news of Mack’s promotion, added that he has not heard of any other impending changes. Colorado still needs to replace tight ends coach Brett Bartolone, who recently became Nevada’s offensive coordinator.
What to Know About Johnnie Mack and the Colorado Buffaloes
Mack began his college career at the City College of San Francisco, earning California Junior College All-American and Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2001. He later transferred to Texas Tech and rushed for 635 yards and nine touchdowns on 6.4 yards per carry during the 2003 and 2004 seasons.
A versatile weapon, Mack also caught 52 passes for 419 yards and four touchdowns with the Red Raiders. He additionally averaged 22.2 yards on 43 kickoff returns.
The pressure is on Mack, Sanders, and Colorado after the Buffaloes lost seven of their final eight games. Colorado’s 3–9 finish marked its second losing season in Sanders’ three years as head coach, and opponents outscored the Buffaloes 366–251.
Colorado opens the 2026 season against Georgia Tech on Saturday, Sept. 5. The Buffaloes also have nonconference games against Weber State (Sept. 12) and at Northwestern (Sept. 19), as well as a road game at Arizona State, though a date had not been formally announced as of Dec. 21.
Sanders and the Buffaloes signed 12 players during the early signing period, led by four-star linebacker Carson Crawford (Carthage, Texas) and four-star safety Preston Ashley (Brandon, Miss.). 247Sports ranks Colorado’s signing class No. 76 nationally and No. 12 out of 16 Big 12 programs.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 21, 2025, where it first appeared in the College section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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