Colorado OC Demoted by Deion Sanders Lands Notable Head Coaching Job

San Diego State officially named Colorado offensive coordinator Sean Lewis as their new head coach on Wednesday. The Aztecs were reportedly targeting Lewis as the hire on Tuesday.

“San Diego State University, my family and I can’t express how excited we are to be joining this incredible community,” Lewis said in a statement. “We are looking forward to partnering with all of you in serving and leading our amazing football program. This time is now to support and make Snapdragon Stadium the place to be for Fast, Physical, Fun Aztec Football.”

Lewis was the head coach at Kent State before leaving to join Deion Sanders in Colorado this season. In those five years, Lewis went 24–31 leading the Golden Flashes, and went 1–1 in two bowl game appearances.

The 37-year-old began the season strong as the Buffaloes’ offensive coordinator, as Colorado scored at least 36 points in each of their first five games. However, as the team began to struggle, Sanders demoted Lewis midseason, stripping him of play-calling duties in favor of veteran coach Pat Shurmur to try and spark the team.

San Diego State coach Brady Hoke retired after a disappointing 4–8 season, announcing the move after the team fell to 3–7 with a Week 11 loss to Colorado State. The Aztecs have had a strong football program in recent years, as they made a bowl game in 12 of the past 14 seasons, but this year was their worst since 2010.