Gary Harrell Brings Experience, Energy to Wyoming as New Running Backs Coach

The University of Wyoming has added a seasoned presence to its football staff with the hiring of Gary Harrell as the Cowboys’ new running backs coach, University of Wyoming Athletics reports.

A respected figure in college football, Harrell is already making a strong impression in Laramie after decades of success at programs across the country.

Harrell, known by the nickname “The Flea” during his standout playing days as a wide receiver, brings over 20 years of coaching experience. His résumé includes stints with Florida Atlantic under Lane Kiffin and most recently with Deion Sanders at Colorado. Prior to that, he served as head coach at Howard University, his alma mater, where he also earned induction into the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame.

For the first time in over two decades, Harrell was actively looking for a new opportunity this spring. That search ended when new Wyoming head coach Jay Sawvel reached out. Harrell visited Laramie on April 3 for an interview and accepted the position just three days later.

“Before he finished saying, ‘I want to offer you…’ I said, ‘I accept the job,'” Harrell recalled. “I think everything happened for a reason. It’s a good situation for me.”

Harrell’s coaching philosophy centers on player development and building relationships. His approach already resonates with Wyoming players, including redshirt freshman Dontae Burch, who said:

“He’s one of those old school coaches, but he’s a good coach. I love him already.”

While Harrell previously worked in the national spotlight at Colorado, where Deion Sanders has embraced a high-profile, portal-heavy rebuild, he appreciates Wyoming’s no-nonsense, developmental approach.

“I like it here because it’s football, it’s no nonsense,” Harrell said. “Coach Sawvel, you can tell from the team meeting how he commands the respect.”

Wyoming’s running back room, led this spring by Terron Kellman and Nico Hamilton, will also welcome three freshmen in the summer. Redshirt freshman Dontae Burch and a healthy Sam Scott are expected to compete for key roles this fall. Coach Sawvel has hinted at adding another back via the transfer portal if the right fit emerges.

Sawvel is confident Harrell is the right man for the job.

“He has fit in extremely well off the bat,” Sawvel said. “It’s one of those things where something happens, and you actually improve your situation. I’m excited about that.”