Byron Leftwich is still underneath Pat Shurmur on the Colorado Buffaloes football coaching staff's pecking order.
Colorado Buffaloes football coach Deion Sanders wanted Byron Leftwich on his coaching staff this offseason, and he got him.
What’s Leftwich’s role in the Buffs’ offense now that the 45-year-old has arrived in Boulder, though?
CBS Sports’ Shehan Jeyarajah explained that while Leftwich isn’t calling plays – Pat Shurmur will maintain his role as lead play-caller as the sole full-time offensive coordinator – he will be in charge of Kaidon Salter and Julian Lewis’s progression.
“Lewis, especially, is viewed as the future of the program. He has received comparisons to Bryce Young for his processing and decision-making despite reclassifying and skipping his senior season of high school. Leftwich should be a sensational presence for Lewis early in his career,” Jeyarajah wrote.
“While the offense belongs to offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, Leftwich should also be able to help Salter develop as a passer. The senior averaged 9.9 yards per attempt during his breakout sophomore season, but has only completed 58.7% of passes for his career. A notable jump in accuracy could make him a potential NFL Draft prospect.”
Leftwich has been linked to CU since March. He’s been roaming the Buffs’ sidelines in an unofficial capacity.
This was a long time coming. But what comes next is the interesting part.
Coaching staffs don’t last long in college football. If Shurmur is able to produce another top offense with Salter and Lewis under center, the long-time NFL head coach may have a pro return waiting for him. Especially if Shedeur Sanders can stick somewhere and convince a franchise to fully invest in him.
Leftwich is a natural successor at offensive coordinator eventually, so long as Sanders remains in Colorado.
Whether that’s his springboard back to the NFL for the major opportunity he never received?
We’ll see.
Category: General Sports
