We’re living in a weird world.
Headed into the Colorado Buffaloes’ game against the West Virginia Mountaineers on Saturday morning, nobody knows who is actually calling offensive plays for the Buffs.
Following CU’s last two games, nearly the entire fanbase was clamoring for a massive change in the offense, specifically in playcalling. The Buffs have been outscored by a margin of 105-24 in their last two contests, which is undoubtedly unacceptable.
The first name on the minds of CU fans has been offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, who has been calling players for Colorado since late 2023. There has been widespread backlash surrounding Shurmur’s playcalling choices in 2025, as his reliance on the short passing game, bubble screens and inside zone runs has been perceived by many as uninspired and predictable.
Things really hit the fan on Tuesday, when CU head coach Deion Sanders was asked at what point he’d change responsibilities, such as offensive and defensive playcalling, following two brutal losses. Sanders’ response was not what most expected, as he hinted that a change may have already occurred behind the scenes that wasn’t made public knowledge.
“I might’ve already changed stuff, but you don’t know,” Sanders said. “I don’t do stuff and blow the whistle and make major announcements. I don’t do that kinda stuff. I let [fans and media] still take shots, but you might be shooting at the wrong target. Some things take place that you may not be privy to.”
When asked at what point the public will know that changes were made, Sanders said it’s on the fans to that figure out.
“That’s up to you to notice [the changes],” Sanders said. “They may have already happened.”
This comment really got the wheels turning in the heads of Colorado fans. Has a change been made? Is Shumur still calling plays? If not, then who is? Is Shurmur even with the team?
Fans got some answers in an episode of Well Off Media this week, as Shurmur was seen at Colorado’s practice talking to offensive players, proving that he’s still in Boulder working with the Buffs.
On Wednesday morning, USA Today reported that Shurmur had been relieved of playcalling duties following CU’s 53-7 loss to Utah. Replacing Shurmur on the headset is CU tight ends coach and passing game coordinator Brett Bartolone, who called his first game at Colorado in the Buffs’ 52-17 loss to Arizona.
The change would make sense, as Bartolone called offensive plays during Sanders’ time at Jackson State. Shurmur, who has extensive NFL experience, including two head coaching stints with the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants, has been demoted if the rumors are true.
Pete Nakos of On3 reached out to Colorado to see if there’s any credibility to the USA Today report, but the program declined to comment.
Here we are now, on Thursday morning, with only more mystery swirling around the situation. Maybe we’ll get more clarity on Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. MT when the Buffs kick off against the Mountaineers in Morgantown.
