Former Colorado RB coach Gary Harrell joins Wyoming

When Gary “Flea” Harrell stepped off the Colorado sideline, few expected his next destination to be just a two-hour drive north. But college football has a funny way of making regional moves feel seismic.

Harrell, who served as Colorado’s running backs coach for the past two seasons, is now officially part of Wyoming’s coaching staff under Jay Sawvel. While the Buffaloes made headlines with their offensive explosiveness, it was no secret the run game lagged behind — CU averaged just 68.9 rushing yards per game in 2024, ranking near the bottom nationally.

Still, Harrell’s departure wasn’t rooted in performance alone. With Marshall Faulk stepping into the role in Boulder, Harrell found a fresh start in Laramie. His move gives him a chance to reshape a Cowboys backfield that’s in desperate need of identity after a 3-9 campaign.

From his time as head coach at Howard to assistant gigs under Deion Sanders and Lane Kiffin, Harrell brings a résumé loaded with depth. At Jackson State, he was instrumental in developing an aggressive ground game that helped Sanders’ Tigers go 27-6 across his three seasons there.

Wyoming head coach Jay Sawvel called Harrell “well-respected with a great sense for the game offensively.” That type of praise isn’t handed out lightly — especially in a program eager for a rebound.

Here’s where it gets interesting: Wyoming travels to Folsom Field on September 20. Harrell’s return to Boulder will be more than just a reunion — it’s a measuring stick. Did Colorado make the right choice? Has Harrell found the right fit? The answers may play out under the lights at Folsom.

For Buffs fans, Harrell’s Wyoming move is more than a footnote — it’s a storyline worth following. Former coaches turned foes, and a familiar face with something to prove. Mark it down. This one’s personal.