Colorado Buffaloes’ Head Football Job Open After Mel Tucker Bolts To Michigan State

By Jordan Long

The Colorado Buffaloes’ Football program is now looking for a new Head Coach.  Mel Tucker, who had been the Head Coach this past year, decided to take the Michigan State job.  Michigan States’ job had been open since February 4th after Mark Dantonio resigned.  He spent 13 years with the Spartans. 

                There was speculation Tucker was going to be the Michigan State Head Coach.  He was a graduate assistant under Nick Saban when Saban was the Head Coach there in 1997. Tucker, though,  said recently he was committed to staying with Colorado and helping build the program where he was 5-7.  Expectations were to make a bowl game in the 2020 season.            

                Tucker had a change of heart.  He decided he was going to take the Michigan State job.  According to CBSsports.com, Colorado Athletic Director Rick George said, “We are disappointed to see Coach Tucker leave. We are excited about the upward trajectory of our football program and we’ll get to work immediately hiring the next head coach to build on our momentum and lead our young men. We’re confident this program is on the verge of competing at the highest level and has the resources and support in place to do so for a long time.”  

                With that, Colorado will start a search for their next Head Coach for the 2nd time in 2 years.  Colorado hired Tucker after the 2019 season when they fired Mike MacIntyre following 6 years in Boulder. MacIntyre was disappointing with an overall record of 30-44 with one bowl appearance.

                Now that Colorado is searching for a new Head Coach, one name should be on top of that list is Eric Bieniemy.  Bieniemy has been with the Kansas City Chiefs since 2013.  The past two seasons, he has been the offensive coordinator and helped them win Super Bowl 54 this year.

                Bieniemy has ties to Colorado.  He played at Colorado from 1987 to 1990.  Bieniemy spent one year as the offensive coordinator for the Buffs from 2011 to 2012 under Head Coach Jon Embree.  During his time as offensive coordinator, the Buffs were a disheartening 4-21.

                Bieniemy wants to be a Head Coach.  He has proven he should have that chance with the job he has done in Kansas City. Bieniemy might prefer to stay in the NFL because that is where he has thrived.  Then again, this could be his opportunity to lead the program he once played at.  It would be tough to say no.