Colorado University Athletics
CABRAL NAMED COLORADO INTERIM HEAD COACH
BOULDER ? The University of Colorado named Brian Cabral its interim head football coach Friday afternoon, two days after Gary Barnett was put on administrative leave.
Cabral, who has been a Buffalo assistant for 15 years and was a standout linebacker from 1975-77, was named CU’s interim coach for the next 70 days. He will take over all head coaching duties for Barnett until an independent investigating committee examines team recruiting practices, and allegations that have been made against the program.
Promoted to assistant head coach February 1, 1999 shortly after Barnett was hired as head coach, Cabral has coached inside linebackers during his career, as his duties also include the punt return team. In the summer of 2002, he was one of 500 nationwide recipients of the NFLAC National Assistant Coach of the Year Award.
“This is a quality person with great character,” athletic director Dick Tharp stated at the press conference. “He needs to step forward, and wants to step forward to move this program along.
“What played the biggest part (in Cabral’s hiring) was his heart. He has a heart and spirit that’s been in this program for a long time. That is the spirit we want to teach our players. That’s the number one reason why we wanted him here in this position.”
University Chancellor Richard Byyny also expressed his content with Cabral’s appointment. He released a statement showing his support for the coach and CU program during this difficult time.
“I am very pleased with the selection of Brian Cabral as the interim head football coach during this period of the investigation by the independent panel,” stated Byyny. “His experience and leadership abilities will play an essential role in moving the football program forward during this period.
“I met today with coach Cabral and athletic director Dick Tharp and expressed my expectation and confidence that our program will set high standards not only for athletic achievement, but also academic accomplishments and social behavior.
“Coach Cabral is respected by the players and the entire department. He has served as a mentor to many players in his role as assistant coach. His presence will provide stability and leadership at a critical time for the team. Coach Cabral has my full support and confidence.”
A 1978 graduate of Colorado, Cabral lettered three times for the Buffs at linebacker under Bill Mallory. He was a team captain his senior year, as he left CU with 297 career tackles (120 solo), a number that ranks 11th on the school’s all-time list. He played nine years in the NFL, as Atlanta selected him in the fourth round of the draft. He spent two seasons with the Falcons, one with Green Bay and six with Chicago. As a special teams captain in 1985, he helped lead the Bears to a Super Bowl XX victory.
“I have the opportunity for 70 days to lead,” stated Cabral. “I have three main goals. One, I want to work hard and pull this team together. Two, I want to maximize spring practice and have a strong academic semester. And number three, it is my hope to win back the confidence of the university, the community and the players for this program.
“Our players do possess character that has not been seen ? character we recruited them for,” he continued. “We will not just maintain (in Barnett’s absence); we will build this program.
“I think this is a tough spot. But, I believe in my 15 years here as a Colorado Buffaloes coach I have been trained and preparing to help this program in a way that nobody ever has. There is a lot of focus on what’s wrong here, but it’s time to show the good qualities of who we really are.
“We need to show ourselves that we are very capable of the character that we owe the university and the community. We are going to show you ? these players and these coaches. We have something to prove.”
Cabral also noted that once the investigation is complete, he fully expects Barnett to return as head coach. “I have no doubt that when all is said and done, coach Barnett will be shown as a man of great character. Everything is in place now. I am just going to stand in the gap for coach Barnett and for this program and university.
“The way this appears and the way all this is happening ? it hurts,” he continued. “I work with coach Barnett and these players, and I know who they really are.