Marshall Faulk’s arrival in Boulder signals more than just a new running backs coach—it marks a fundamental shift in how the Colorado Buffaloes will operate, compete, and grow
His relentless focus on improvement, attention to detail, and championship mindset are already rubbing off on players and staff alike.
Marshall Faulk’s entry into college coaching isn’t a retirement victory lap. It’s a new mission for a man who has already conquered the NFL and earned the respect of the football world.
Now, he’s stepping into a role where he can influence lives, share wisdom, and help build something lasting.
For the Colorado Buffaloes, Faulk’s arrival is more than just a headline—it’s a statement. A declaration that the program is serious about surrounding its players with greatness, not just on the field but off it.
As the 2025 season draws near, all eyes will be on Boulder—not just because of Coach Prime, but because of the legends beside him. And for Marshall Faulk, this is only the beginning of what could be a coaching legacy to match his playing one.
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Table of Contents
Marshall Faulk Joins Colorado Buffaloes
A Hall of Fame Legacy Heads to the Sidelines
The Colorado Buffaloes are preparing for a monumental 2025 college football season with an all-star coaching staff.1
Among the newest additions is Pro Football Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk, who has officially joined Coach Deion “Prime” Sanders’ team as the running backs coach.
Faulk’s transition from NFL legend to college coach is a major headline, and expectations are high for what he can bring to Boulder.
From Gridiron Greatness to Coaching Beginnings
Marshall Faulk is widely recognized as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. A seven-time Pro Bowler, Faulk was the engine behind the St. Louis Rams’ “Greatest Show on Turf” and the MVP of Super Bowl XXXIV.
Over his career, he racked up over 12,000 rushing yards, 6,875 receiving yards, and 136 total touchdowns.
Now, the Hall of Famer is taking his talents to the coaching world. His arrival in Boulder marks a new chapter in a life already filled with football accolades.
The Buffaloes recently posted a video to social media, showcasing Faulk’s legendary highlights before cutting to clips of him expressing his excitement for this fresh challenge. It was clear: Faulk isn’t just here for the spotlight—he’s here to develop future stars.
The most successful people in any field understand one thing — adversity is inevitable. What separates the greats is their ability to think positively through it all. Wins, losses, setbacks, breakthroughs — they process each moment with clarity, vision, and relentless optimism. pic.twitter.com/CQBTTIrGLP
— Marshall Faulk (@marshallfaulk) April 28, 2025
A Coach’s Vision: Mentorship and Development
In the video released by the Buffaloes, Faulk speaks candidly about his approach to coaching. Rather than simply relying on his fame, he emphasizes a hands-on, deeply invested mentorship style. “I’m here to give my best and help these young men reach the next level,” he stated.
Faulk detailed that his coaching philosophy revolves around more than just Xs and Os. He wants to mold complete players—both physically and mentally.
His goal is to provide players with the insight, discipline, and tools they need to not only succeed in college football but also in life beyond the game.
Marshall Faulk: Uplifting Through Leadership
Faulk’s arrival in Colorado didn’t come out of nowhere. His decision to join Deion Sanders—aka “Coach Prime”—was strongly influenced by the impact Sanders has made both as a leader and mentor.2
In an interview with Front Office Sports (FOS), Faulk couldn’t praise Sanders enough.
“Deion is an elevator,” Faulk said. “He’s gonna elevate you as a person, and he’s going to force you to elevate your life. And that’s what he does. He lifts people up.”
According to Faulk, Coach Prime has a unique ability to inspire, and that light people often see shining on Sanders is actually him shining it on others.
It’s clear Faulk sees his new role not just as a job but as an opportunity to be part of a movement—a culture change Sanders is building in Colorado.
NFL Pedigree on the Sidelines
Faulk isn’t the only former NFL star to join Colorado’s revamped coaching staff this offseason.
Coach Prime also added Andre Gurode, a five-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman, as the offensive line coach. Gurode brings a wealth of experience and toughness to the trenches.
In addition, Domata Peko, a longtime defensive force with the Cincinnati Bengals, was hired to lead the defensive line.
These hires reflect Sanders’ vision to create a professional-caliber environment in Boulder—one that combines elite knowledge with strong mentorship.
Bringing in veterans who’ve played at the game’s highest level provides instant credibility and relatability to recruits and current players. Young athletes will now be coached by men who have not only walked the path they aspire to follow but also reached its peak.
Building a Culture of Accountability
Marshall Faulk’s resume speaks for itself, but his commitment to helping young players grow is what excites the Buffaloes’ fanbase the most. Faulk emphasized that he isn’t merely showing up to wear a headset—he’s showing up to shape futures.
With Coach Prime’s focus on accountability, toughness, and character, Faulk’s coaching style fits seamlessly.
He believes in hard work, preparation, and discipline—values that defined his NFL career and now form the cornerstone of his coaching journey.
This shared vision with Sanders lays a strong foundation for what could be a transformative period in Colorado football.
Why Marshall Faulk’s Presence Matters?
Marshall Faulk is more than just a Hall of Fame name on the coaching roster.3
His football IQ, work ethic, and reputation for excellence will set the standard for Colorado’s running backs.
For student-athletes, few opportunities could match the chance to be mentored by someone who’s been through it all—from college stardom at San Diego State to winning on the NFL’s biggest stage.
Faulk understands the nuances of the position and the mental preparation needed to thrive under pressure.
For recruiting, his addition also adds star power. Future prospects will be drawn to the chance to learn from a player many of their parents grew up watching and admiring.
The Road Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
Colorado is coming off an up-and-down season in 2024, but the expectations heading into 2025 are sky-high.
With Deion Sanders at the helm and an upgraded coaching staff filled with NFL wisdom, the Buffaloes are no longer just a feel-good story—they’re aiming to become contenders.
Faulk’s presence is expected to bring immediate impact to the running back room, which showed flashes last season but lacked consistent production. His coaching may help unlock breakout performances from young talent waiting in the wings.
Beyond wins and losses, Faulk is already making a difference with his mindset. He’s here to “give his best,” to serve as a guide, and to help Coach Prime build something special in Boulder.
A New Era for Colorado Football
With Faulk’s arrival and the continued leadership of Deion Sanders, Colorado football is undergoing a powerful transformation.
No longer a team defined by past struggles, the Buffaloes are evolving into a nationally recognized brand, known for innovation, charisma, and opportunity.
What’s striking is the balance Sanders has struck between flash and substance. While the headlines often focus on his bold personality, his coaching staff reveals the depth of his vision—one grounded in mentorship, excellence, and preparation.
Faulk, Gurode, and Peko are not just symbolic hires—they are capable, respected teachers of the game. Together, they represent a shift toward professionalism in college football.
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Marshall Faulk Shares His Expectations From the Buffs Ahead of the 2025 Season
On March 18, during a spirited press conference in Boulder, NFL Hall of Famer and newly appointed Colorado Buffaloes running backs coach Marshall Faulk laid out his blueprint for the team ahead of the 2025 season.
Faulk, one of the most dynamic running backs in league history, wasted no time in setting a tone of accountability, personal growth, and team resurgence.
Marshall Faulk’s decision to join Deion Sanders’ coaching staff at Colorado was one of the most buzzed-about moves of the offseason.
As a former NFL MVP, Super Bowl champion, and one of the most versatile backs ever to play the game, Faulk brings with him a treasure trove of knowledge, experience, and intensity. His impact in Boulder is already palpable.
“What Deion is doing here is special,” Faulk said. “I wanted to be part of something transformative. These kids need leadership, not just in football, but in life.”
The Demand for Growth: “If You’re Not Improving, You’re Getting Worse”
- Faulk’s coaching philosophy is rooted in a mindset of constant self-improvement. At the press conference, he didn’t mince words about what he expects from his players.
- “If you are not trying to improve, then you’re getting worse,” Faulk said. “I don’t care how good you are. It’s how much better we can make you.”
- For Faulk, the focus isn’t just on what players already do well—it’s about what they don’t. He emphasized that ignoring weaknesses leads to stagnation.
- To him, the mark of a great player isn’t talent alone, but the ability to evolve, refine, and ultimately dominate by mastering all aspects of the game.
- Faulk elaborated on the need to dig deep into a player’s game and build up areas of vulnerability.
- “If all you do is focus on the things that you do well, then you’re not improving,” he said. “I have to take your weaknesses and turn them into a strength.”
- This growth mindset is expected to be a foundational part of the Buffaloes’ player development approach. For young athletes in their formative years, hearing this from a legend of Faulk’s stature can be a transformative experience in itself.
- Whether it’s ball security, vision, pass protection, or endurance, Faulk wants every back to be more complete by season’s end.
Marshall Faulk: Player Accountability
Setting Standards in the Locker Room
While talent brings players in the door, Faulk believes accountability is what keeps them on the field.
He stated that he won’t hesitate to challenge players if they don’t meet expectations—both in effort and attitude.
“There’s a standard here,” he said. “And it’s not just about talent. You gotta show up every day ready to work, to learn, and to earn your spot.”
This approach aligns well with Coach Prime’s own ethos of demanding excellence and fostering a culture of responsibility.
Building a Balanced Offense Around Shedeur Sanders
With quarterback Shedeur Sanders returning for what could be his final collegiate season, expectations are sky-high in Boulder. But Faulk insists that for Shedeur to thrive, the running game must become a viable threat.
“We can’t ask Shedeur to carry the offense every single game,” Faulk said. “We need to be able to run the ball when it matters—on third-and-short, in the red zone, in the fourth quarter. That’s my job.”
Faulk’s ability to bring stability and explosiveness to the backfield could be the key to unlocking the full potential of Colorado’s offense in 2025.
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Player Development as a Long-Term Investment
Faulk isn’t just focused on wins and losses in the short term—he’s also looking at the bigger picture. He spoke passionately about preparing his players for life beyond college, whether that’s in the NFL or another career path.
“Football ends for everyone at some point,” he said. “But the discipline, the commitment to growth, the lessons—that’s what sticks with you.”
This holistic approach to coaching is likely to resonate with recruits and parents alike, adding to Colorado’s appeal as a program that develops both athletes and people.
A Culture Shift in Boulder
With Faulk’s arrival, there’s an undeniable cultural shift happening within the Buffaloes’ locker room. The combination of his no-nonsense, improvement-focused philosophy and his championship pedigree is setting a new tone.
Players are now being asked to think deeper, work harder, and take ownership of their development. In return, they get access to one of the greatest minds in football and a mentor who’s been where they dream to go.
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