Report: Jackson State defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman to join CU Buffs staff – The Denver Post

Colorado head football coach Deion Sanders is bringing his defensive coordinator from Jackson State to Boulder.

Thee Pregame Show, which produces content for Sanders and Jackson State, reported on Instagram on Saturday that Dennis Thurman will come to CU as a director of quality control and defensive analyst.

Thurman, 66, has been the defensive coordinator at Jackson State the past three seasons. This season, the Tigers have the No. 1 defense in the Football Championship Subdivision, leading in points allowed (11.3 per game) and yards allowed (233.2).

A two-time All-American safety at USC, he was a part of the Trojans’ national championship team in 1974. Following a nine-year NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys and St. Louis Cardinals, Thurman has been in coaching for nearly 35 years.

Thurman was the defensive backs coach at USC from 1993-2000, but has mainly coached in the NFL, with the Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets and Buffalo Bills. He was the defensive coordinator of the Jets from 2013-14 and the Bills from 2015-16.

At least four of Sanders’ assistants from Jackson State will be on the Buffs’ staff. It has previously been reported that Tim Brewster (tight ends), Andre Hart (linebackers) and Kevin Mathis (cornerbacks) will be coming to CU from JSU, as well.

Other staff additions already reported are Sean Lewis (offensive coordinator) and Bill O’Boyle (offensive line) coming from Kent State; Charles Kelly (defensive coordinator) from Alabama; and Vincent Dancy (analyst) from Mississippi Valley State.

Related Articles

  • College Sports |


    CU Buffs get verbal commitment from 4-star RB previously committed to Notre Dame

  • College Sports |


    Recruiting season heating up for Colorado State football

  • College Sports |


    Kickin’ It with Kiz: All we want for Christmas is Peyton Manning to rescue wretched Broncos

  • College Sports |


    Grading the Week: The Front Range now belongs to Coach Prime, and he’ll let us know when we can have it back

  • College Sports |


    John Matocha’s magnificent play pushes Colorado School of Mines football to second straight Division II semifinal

It has also been reported this week that Nick Williams, a defensive analyst at Texas A&M last season, is joining the staff as an on-the-field coach for defense.

Sanders is also retaining one member of CU’s previous staff, Darian Hagan. CU’s running backs coach from 2016-22, Hagan will take a different role within the athletic department.

CU has yet to officially announce any assistant coach or support staff hires.

Source: Read Full Article