Deion Sanders and Johnnie Mack: A Rising Coaching Duo at Colorado
The Colorado Buffaloes are building momentum under the leadership of Deion Sanders, and a key piece of that puzzle is the recent promotion of Johnnie Mack to running backs coach. Colorado Football’s YouTube channel recently offered a behind-the-scenes look at Mack working with his unit during spring practice, revealing his passion and dedication.
Mack’s Journey to Boulder
Mack, who served as an offensive analyst for Colorado in 2025, expressed his excitement for the opportunity. “I’m excited. I’m going to work my butt off and just to show that I do belong and I am the guy for the job,” Mack stated. “I’m going to have fun with it and just continue to grow, continue to learn, and just put my best foot forward.”
His playing career began as a running back for the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the early 2000s, where he amassed 636 rushing yards and 13 total touchdowns, also serving as their primary kick returner in 2003 and 2004.
Mack’s coaching journey has been extensive, with stops at Southeastern University (starting in 2020), Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, Houston Baptist, North Texas, SMU, and East Central. He held various roles, including positions on offense, special teams, and strength and conditioning.
A Dream Realized: Working with Coach Prime
For Mack, joining the Colorado staff wasn’t just a career move; it was a long-held aspiration. “My goal was one day, I told myself ‘One day, I want to work for Coach Prime’ and I just kept manifesting until the opportunity came,” he revealed. “Having the opportunity to work for Coach Prime and work for Coach (Marshall) Faulk, it’s every kid’s dream. He didn’t just teach me the game of football, but he also taught me the game of life.”
Following in the Footsteps of a Legend
Mack’s promotion came about after Marshall Faulk, Colorado’s running backs coach last season, accepted the head coach position with the Southern Jaguars. Faulk’s legacy is immense – a 12-season NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts and St. Louis Rams, 12,279 rushing yards, 100 touchdowns, three First-team All-Pro selections, seven Pro Bowl appearances, the 2000 AP NFL MVP award, and a Super Bowl victory. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011. Learn more about Marshall Faulk’s career here.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Sanders’ decision to promote from within demonstrates a belief in the talent already present within the program. Colorado will be looking for a significant turnaround in 2026 after a 3-9 season in 2025. The Buffs will kick off their 2026 campaign on the road against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on Thursday, September 3rd. Georgia Tech previously defeated Colorado 27-20 at Folsom Field last season.
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