Since 1920, the Colorado Buffaloes football program has been led by 19 different full-time head coaches. Some names may be more familiar than others, but the history remains rich.
As the current program is likely just days away from naming a new leader, we thought it would be interesting to take a look back at the history of head coaches at CU. Our list starts soon after the days of Fred Folsom and it of course wraps with the Buffs’ most recent head coach, Karl Dorrell, who was relieved by interim Mike Sanford.
Enjoy a look back at the past 100 years of Colorado football head coaches:
Oct 15, 2022; Boulder, Colorado, USA; General view of the Colorado Buffaloes mascot in the middle of Folsom Field before the game against the California Golden Bears. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Record: 63-26-7
BOULDER, CO – SEPTEMBER 24: Colorado Buffaloes live mascot Ralphie is released for a run with handlers at halftime of a game between the Colorado Buffaloes and the UCLA Bruins at Folsom Field on September 24, 2022 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
Record: 15-7-2
BOULDER, CO – OCTOBER 15: A Colorado Buffaloes helmet is held in the air as Colorado Buffaloes players celebrate on the field after an overtime win against the California Golden Bears at Folsom Field on October 15, 2022 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
Record: 25-15-1
Nov 26, 2022; Boulder, Colorado, USA; General view of Folsom Field field flags at half-staff honor and remember the victims of the Club Q shooting in Colorado Springs before the game between the Utah Utes against the Colorado Buffaloes. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Record: 16-8-1
Quarterback Marvin Bell, left, of Utah State successfully tackles a Colorado University player while returning a CU in the second period of the big seven conference game at Boulder, Colo., Oct. 11, 1941. (AP Photo)
Record: 24-17-2
BOULDER, CO – NOVEMBER 23: Colorado fans rush the field after the Colorado Buffaloes defeated the Nebraska Cornhuskers 65-51 during Big 12 College Football action at Folsom Field on November 23, 2007 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Record: 63-41-6
Oct 15, 2022; Boulder, Colorado, USA; General view of an Folsom Field end zone pylon during the fourth quarter between the California Golden Bears against the Colorado Buffaloes. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Record: 20-11
Oct 29, 2022; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of against the Colorado Buffaloes helmet before the game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Record: 2-8
Sep 25, 1971; Unknown location USA,FILE PHOTO; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Eddie Crowder on the sidelines against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. The Buffaloes beat the Buckeyes 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Record: 67-49-2
Nov 1987, Bloomington, IN, USA; FILE PHOTO; Indiana Hoosiers head coach Bill Mallory stands on the sidelines at Memorial Stadium during the 1987 season. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Record: 35-21-1
Unknown date & location, USA; FILE PHOTO; New England Patriots head coach Chuck Fairbanks on the sideline during the 1977 season. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
Record: 7-26
University of Colorado coach Bill McCartney discusses strategy with his team during practice in Irvine, Calif., Aug. 25, 1990. The Buffaloes will face the University of Tennessee in the Disneyland Pigskin Classic in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Sam Jones)
Record: 93-55-5
Sept. 5 1998: Quarterback Mike Moschetti #4 of the Colorado Buffaloes talks to head coach Rick Neuheisel during a game against the Colorado State Rams at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado. The Buffaloes defeated the Rams 42-14.
Record: 33-14
Nov 25, 2005; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Gary Barnett watches from the sidelines during the second quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Folsom Field. Barnett lost his job after leading the Buffaloes to a 7-5 record in 2005. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Byron Hetzler-USA TODAY Sports Copyright (c) 2005 Byron Hetzler
Record: 49-38
Nov 6, 2010; Lawrence, KS, USA; Colorado Buffaloes safety Terrel Smith (41) is congratulated by head coach Dan Hawkins after intercepting a pass against the Kansas Jayhawks in the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Record: 19-39
Nov 12, 2011; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Jon Embree greats Colorado Buffaloes offensive linesman Ryan Miller (73) at midfield during a senior day cermoney before the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Folsom Field. The Buffaloes defeated the Wildcats 48-29. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Record: 4-21
Sep 24, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Mike MacIntyre stands on the sideline in the second quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Record: 30-44
Jul 24, 2019; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Colorado Buffaloes coach Mel Tucker (left), linebacker Nate Landman (center) and receiver Laviska Shenault Jr during Pac-12 football media day at Hollywood & Highland. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Record: 5-7
Colorado head coach Karl Dorrell arrives with his players at Folsom Field before an NCAA college football game against UCLA Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Record: 8-15
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