Woelk: Along With Football Acumen, Dorrell Brings Respect For CU

BOULDER — Colorado football got better Sunday afternoon.

So did the University of Colorado.

When CU Athletic Director Rick George officially announced that Karl Dorrell will be the Buffaloes' 27th head coach, George brought back to Boulder a coach with a solid track record, a reputation for identifying and developing talent, and an unimpeachable character.

Those are qualities that will make the Buffs an improved program overnight.

But maybe just as importantly — at least to those of us who hold the University of Colorado in high esteem — George brought to Boulder a man who respects CU in its entirety and what it stands for as the state's flagship institution.

Respect is not something you can buy. Boatloads of cash and promises won't guarantee it. Respect is something that is earned and developed over the years, a process that requires building a relationship whose impact withstands the test of time.

Guaranteed, Karl Dorrell returns to Boulder with a great and deep-seated respect for CU football, the university, the community and the state.

Dorrell knows what Colorado football looks like at its peak. He coached for the legendary Bill McCartney, then for Rick Neuheisel. He coached at Colorado when top 10 finishes and quality bowl games were the norm, not the dream. He coached at Colorado when the Buffs were among the nation's elite, a program that commanded respect every time it stepped on the field — no matter the opponent — and a program that also had a reputation for doing things the right way.

No shortcuts, no excuses. It was an era when Colorado proved that great academics and great athletics can not only co-exist, but can thrive in the right environment with the right leadership.

As we noted a couple of weeks ago, that leadership is still in place at CU. Now, thanks to a confluence of events, CU Athletics and the right man for the circumstances have come together.

In light of the hasty departure of CU's last coach, there's no question the Buffs football program is in need of a steady hand. Continuity, consistency and strong character are imperative as Colorado prepares to move forward. At the same time, throw in patience and a heavy dose of ability to look at the long term — not the quick fix — as critical elements.

Not coincidentally, these are the traits that made Dorrell such an attractive candidate.

Dorrell, who coached five bowl teams in five years at UCLA in his only head coaching position, has patiently been waiting and planning for his next opportunity. While it no doubt has taken longer than expected, there is also no doubt he comes into the job prepared.

Understand that Dorrell is not "flash and splash." He is not prone to empty promises in public followed by excuses in private. He is not one to point a finger elsewhere in difficult moments.

Instead, those of us old enough to remember his time at CU and UCLA remember a man who displayed a calm demeanor under pressure, a steady hand and an ability to relate to student-athletes.

Those were his trademarks.

It's also worth remembering that Dorrell comes to Colorado with the full and complete recognition of all the things that make CU special. Great academics, a community environment that consistently ranks as one of the best college settings in America, and institutional leadership that believes success can be obtained in all areas without compromising standards and ethics.

Dorrell is a man who knows these things are not up for negotiation. The standards that make the University of Colorado great should not be viewed as obstacles, but used as a ladder to excellence in every area.

Simply, CU's standards can not be sidestepped — rather they must be embraced as tools for building success.

Dorrell understands that environment. He has coached in it and he has seen that it can produce a high level of success in every corner of the university.

What else do we know about Karl Dorrell?

As we mentioned previously, he coached five bowl teams in five years at UCLA from 2003 to 2007. He recruited standout student-athletes to the Bruins, won big games (most notably over Oklahoma, Oregon and USC) and consistently developed players for the next level.

Since then, Dorrell has spent the majority of his time in the NFL, where he has developed contacts throughout the coaching world. Those contacts will no doubt be invaluable in assembling a staff that will impress prospective recruits, then develop that talent once it arrives in Boulder.

We also know Dorrell's feel for the game is held in high esteem. He is an innovative offensive mind, he places a high value on the importance of defense, and wherever he has coached, his players have improved.

Those are the qualities Dorrell will bring to Boulder. Excellent coaching acumen, a steady hand in turbulent times, high character — and a respect for all the things that make the University of Colorado an elite institution.

This is a man who has been waiting for this opportunity. It is an opportunity he will not treat lightly — and not one he will use to open other doors.

Colorado is where he wants to be.

Buffs fans will very quickly appreciate what that means for their university and their program.

Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu