Skip to Content

The University of Colorado has fired head coach Karl Dorrell

University of Colorado Athletic Director Rick George announced Sunday that the school will be parting ways with Head Coach Karl Dorrell after nearly two-and-a-half seasons.

       

“I want to thank Karl for his hard work in leading our program since 2020,” said George. “Ultimately, however, the results on the field just did not measure up to our expectations and standards, which made it necessary for us to make this change at this time. It was an extremely difficult decision and I wish Karl all of the best in his future endeavors.”

Dorrell departs having completed over half of a five-year contract, and will receive an approximate buyout of $8.7 million. Per the terms of the contract, Dorrell will be paid in installments and the total buyout would be mitigated by the salary of his next position. Funds for the buyout will come exclusively from the athletic department budget and will be completely separate from tuition money, taxpayer dollars, student fees, or the campus general fund.

“I fully support Rick in making this difficult decision to dismiss Coach Dorrell,” said Chancellor Philip DiStefano. “The football team is an important part of the university and I know our students, alumni, and fans have high expectations for a winning product on the field. I thank Coach Dorrell for his dedication to CU Boulder and his unwavering commitment to our student-athletes.”

Mike Sanford, who is in his first year as CU’s offensive coordinator, has been named interim head coach for the remainder of the 2022 season. A 17-year veteran of the coaching profession, Sanford previously served as a head coach for Western Kentucky in 2017 and 2018.

        

In addition, defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach Chris Wilson has also been dismissed; he was in his second stint on the Colorado Staff and had been promoted to the position ahead of the 2021 campaign.

Sanford accepted the interim role and named defensive line coach Gerald Chatman as the team’s defensive coordinator and passing game coordinator and tight ends coach Clay Patterson as offensive coordinator.

George has indicated the national search for a new head coach will begin immediately but no updates on the search process will be provided until a new coach is named.

Article Topic Follows: News

Jump to comments ↓

Author Profile Photo

Rob Namnoum

Rob is the Sports Director at KRDO-TV. He started working at KRDO in 1999. He has covered the NFL since 1998. Learn more about Rob here.

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KRDO NewsChannel 13 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content