It was an eventful week in Colorado Buffaloes athletics this past week. First off, head football coach Karl Dorrell completed his coaching staff. His contract was approved by the CU Board of Regents. In basketball, both the men’s and women’s teams need to make a statement, as the story of their seasons should not be completed prematurely.
Karl Dorrell Completes Colorado Coaching Staff
Karl Dorrell completed the Colorado coaching staff this past week. Tyson Summers will remain as defensive coordinator for a second season, while Darrin Chiaverini will once again be the Buffaloes’ offensive coordinator after having the same position with the team from 2016-18.
One notable hire of Dorrell’s is new cornerbacks coach Demetrice Martin, who came from Arizona. This hire is interesting because Martin also coached cornerbacks at Arizona. Dorrell was able to get Martin, one of Kevin Sumlin’s coaches, to come to another school within the conference for the same job he had at Arizona.
Dorrell also hired Danny Langsdorf as the new quarterback’s coach. It will be interesting to see how Langsdorf works with true freshman quarterback Brenden Lewis. Lewis could be the Buffaloes’ starter this season. Langsdorf brings experience, as he was the offensive coordinator on Mike Riley’s staff at Oregon State and Nebraska.
Dorrell played it safe with his hires. Chiaverini has built a strong reputation because of his recruiting abilities. A familiar face from the recruiting process is good for the incoming freshman class. The defense steadily improved under Summers last season, but there are still steps to be taken. However, keeping Chiaverini and Summers shows a commitment from Dorrell to keep some continuity within the Colorado coaching staff.
Linda Shoemaker and Jack Kroll Vote Against Karl Dorrell’s Contract
To no one’s surprise, CU Regents Linda Shoemaker and Jack Kroll voted no against Karl Dorrell’s five-year, $18 million contract. Concerns over player safety were the main reason for the two “no” votes. However, Shoemaker was very respectful of Dorrell. She appreciated how Dorrell preached the importance of academics for student-athletes in his introductory press conference. Shoemaker was critical of Mel Tucker because of the emphasis he put on players playing hard-nosed football.
Antonio Alfano Suspended Indefinitely
Karl Dorrell announced Monday that defensive lineman Antonio Alfano, who transferred from Alabama, “has been suspended indefinitely for a violation of team rules.” Alfano transferred in November and enrolled in classes in January. What looked like one of Mel Tucker’s greatest recruiting wins now is the first controversy Karl Dorrell has to deal with as head coach.
Men’s Basketball Team Falls to Utah, Women’s Basketball Team Falls to USC in Conference Tournament
The Buffaloes’ men’s basketball team lost to Utah on Saturday, 74-72. There was questionable officiating the entire game. Consequently, a questionable officiating call decided this game. Fans have a right to be mad about the call, but the Buffaloes need to find a way to get back on track, starting this Wednesday against Washington State in Las Vegas.
The Women’s Basketball team lost to USC in the first round of the Pac-12 Women’s Conference Tournament 69-54. However, the team finished the season with a 16-14 record and may receive an invitation to the Women’s NIT. 2019-20 was the Buffaloes first winning season in three years.
There are positives to be taken out of both the Men’s and Women’s seasons. However, conclusions should not be drawn about the seasons yet, as postseason tournaments should play a factor in determining how a team’s season is going. Before the Men’s team went on a four-game losing streak, their season was already deemed a success. However, for it to be truly successful the team has to make noise in the Pac-12 Tournament this week and the NCAA Tournament. The same goes for the women’s team if they end up receiving an NIT bid.