Colorado hires former USC assistant, announces shift in duties

Colorado and head coach Karl Dorrell have hired former USC defensive line coach Vic So’oto to the same position, according to a press release. The 34-year old coach spent two seasons on Clay Helton’s staff before the turnover this offseason.

“Vic is an impressive young coach,” Dorrell said in the press release.  “He is a great communicator, teacher and developer who relates very well with his players.   His body of work speaks volumes, and I know our players will gravitate to his teaching style.”

Vic So’oto brings five years of coaching experience at Virginia and USC to Colorado and spent three seasons in the NFL as a player after his college career at BYU. Just two seasons after retirement, he landed his first full-time coaching job as defensive line coach.

“I am excited to become a part of Karl Dorrell’s staff at the University of Colorado,” So’oto said.  “Teaching and building are my passions and I can’t wait to get started in Boulder.”

The addition of So’oto comes along with the announcement that former defensive line coach and defensive coordinator Chris Wilson will retain his coordinator role while coaching a new position group yet to be determined starting in 2022.

More coaching changes at Colorado

The Colorado Buffaloes have hired Mike Sanford as their new offensive coordinator, the school announced. Sanford comes to the Buffaloes from the Minnesota Golden Gophers, where he was also the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from January 2020 to Nov. 29.

Before Minnesota, Sanford spent 2017-2018 as the head coach of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. He took the Hilltoppers to the AutoNation Cure Bowl in his first season, making him one of just five rookie head coaches to take his team to a bowl game that season.

Kyle DeVan is headed to Boulder as the new Colorado offensive line coach, per Chris Vannini of The Athletic. DeVan joined Michigan as an offensive analyst, working closely with the offensive line, last spring.

DeVan is a former Oregon State offensive guard who went undrafted in 2008 but ultimately played for the Washington Football Team, New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles and Tennessee Titans. He started for the Colts in the 2009 Super Bowl against the New Orleans Saints.

Under DeVan’s guidance this season, the Michigan offensive line was stellar. It ultimately won the Joe Moore Award for nation’s best offensive line. The award remains the only honor given to an entire position group in college football.