Former New Mexico State University (NMSU) offensive coordinator/quarterback coach Gregg Brandon has been named new head coach of Mines’ 126-year old football program, the university’s athletic director David Hansburg announced in late December. Brandon is only the sixth head coach to walk the sidelines since 1937.
‘Gregg Brandon brings an unbelievable amount of experience to Colorado School of Mines. His energy and enthusiasm will be a great asset to our football program as we move into a new era for the Orediggers,’ said Hansburg.
Brandon, who recently completed his second season coaching the Aggies at NMSU, brings more than 30 years of experience to Mines, including stints at seven NCAA Division I institutions. In his first season with the Aggies, he helped NMSU to the No. 55 national ranking in passing yards. Quarterback Andrew McDonald led the Aggies with 2,497 yards and 15 touchdowns. Brandon also guided wide receiver Austin Franklin and offensive tackles Andy Cunningham and Davonte Wallace to All-Independent Football Team honors.
From 2003-08, Brandon served as head coach at Bowling Green State University (BGSU), compiling a record of 44-30 and guiding the Falcons to three bowl appearances and four winning seasons. Originally hired as the assistant head coach and offensive coordinator in 2001, Brandon led BGSU teams to a bevy of notable non-conference wins: at Purdue (27-26 in 2003), at Minnesota (32-31 in 2007), and at Pittsburgh (27-17 in 2008). He coached 33 All-MAC selections and 2004 MAC Player of the Year, Omar Jacobs.
From 1987-90, Brandon was the wide receivers coach at University of Wyoming (UW) under head coach, Paul Roach. During his four-year tenure, the Pokes went 35-15 and won back-to-back Western Athletic Conference championships in 1987 and 1988, twice finishing conference play undefeated. Wyoming appeared in the 1987 and 1988 Holiday Bowls, as well as in the Copper Bowl in 1990.
Following his time at UW, Brandon held assistant positions at Utah State University (1991), Northwestern University (1992-98), University of Colorado (1999-2000), and BGSU (2001-02). In 2009, he served as offensive coordinator at Virginia State University, and in 2010 he was on the coaching staff of the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League. He has helped lead nine teams to bowl appearances during his collegiate coaching career, including an appearance in the Rose Bowl with Northwestern at the conclusion of the 1995 season.
A native of Colorado Springs, Brandon played football at Mesa State in 1974 before transferring to University of Northern Colorado (UNC), where he played his final three seasons as a defensive back and wide receiver. He graduated from UNC in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in education.
‘I am excited to become the head football coach at Colorado School of Mines,’ said Brandon. ‘It is a great opportunity to work with outstanding young men who excel in the classroom and win on the field. The opening of the Korell Athletics Center and Marv Kay Stadium for the 2015 season also make this a uniquely attractive place to coach, and it shows how committed the school is to athletics and student life in general.’
�By Bryan Desch