Former Buff great Darian Hagan happy with his new position

Darian Hagan, a Colorado Buffaloes icon, has taken a bold step in his coaching career by leaving Boulder after nearly two decades to become the running backs coach at San Diego State University (SDSU). This move marks a significant change for Hagan, who had been deeply rooted in Colorado’s football program, both as a legendary quarterback and later as a coach.

Hagan’s transition came in the wake of Deion Sanders' arrival as Colorado’s head coach, which led to a restructuring of the coaching staff. Initially, Hagan was reassigned from his role as running backs coach—a position he held from 2016 to 2022—to a role focused on community engagement. However, his passion for coaching and mentoring young athletes drove him to seek a fresh start at SDSU.

Reflecting on his decision, Hagan emphasized that he made the right decision about leaving Colorado. “I have no regrets," Hagan told the Denver Post . "It is weird. But at the same time, if you want to grow in this profession, you can’t stay in the same place when it’s time to move and adapt to life and its changes." Although Hagan treasures his memories with the Buffaloes, he is convinced that his departure was a necessary step in his professional development.

Now working under SDSU’s offensive coordinator Sean Lewis, Hagan is excited to return to the field and continue his true calling—coaching and guiding young players. “I still believe I took the job for the right reasons,” Hagan said. “The reasons were, for me, to get to the field and do what I do — and that’s to coach and (help) young men to get to their best. … I’m just happy that I’m in a place where I can be coaching and impacting men.”