Jon Embree (Comm’89), shown left with Eric Bieniemy (Soc’01) and Chip, is Colorado’s third head football coach and the first in nearly 50 years to have graduated from the school. The last was Bud Davis (PE’51, EdD’63), who coached for one season (1962) to steady the ship after the Sonny Grandelius era. Harry Heller (A&S’1885) also coached one year, leading Colorado to an 8-1 record in 1894.
After being named head football coach in early December, Jon Embree (Comm’89) hired an assistant coaching staff that includes other ex-CU players and/or coaches. On board are former Buff players Eric Bieniemy (Soc’01) (offensive coordinator and running backs) and Brian Cabral (PE’79) who was retained as linebackers coach and Kanavis McGhee (defensive line). In addition former CU assistant coaches Greg Brown, who is now defensive coordinator and secondary, and Steve Marshall (offensive line). Boulder High School alum Bobby Kennedy (wide receivers) also joined the staff.
CU’s first spring game with Embree at the helm will be April 9.
Despite the Buffs finishing their final Big 12 season with a 5-7 record, their fifth straight losing year, senior Nate Solder became the first CU offensive tackle ever to earn consensus All-America status. Solder also was tabbed the Big 12 Conference top offensive lineman.
Former CU kicker Mason Crosby (Comm’06) was voted to the all-time All-Big 12 team.