From Boulder to Laramie, Harrell explains why his move was more than just a change in scenery
Gary Harrell, better known in football circles as “Flea,” spent years as one of Deion Sanders’ closest assistants at both Jackson State and Colorado. Now, as Wyoming’s running backs coach, Harrell isn’t looking back with regret. Instead, he’s embracing what he calls a refreshing shift in his career.
At Colorado, the spotlight rarely dimmed. Celebrity guests lined the sidelines. Cameras followed almost every practice. Harrell admitted it was exciting, but he also hinted at the weight that came with constant attention. “It’s not the glitz, the glamor, it’s not the cameras, it’s football,” he said of Wyoming. “It just feels different.”
One difference stands out: unity. “Everyone has the same goals, same vision,” Harrell said. “You feel good coming to work, you feel great leaving.” That sense of accountability and shared purpose is something he’s quick to praise in Laramie.
At Wyoming, Harrell describes an environment that prioritizes football and life without distractions. “It’s about the kids, it’s about the program,” he added.
Harrell has been clear he wants to be a head coach again. He credits Wyoming’s structure and culture for helping him prepare for that next step.
On Saturday, when Wyoming faces Colorado, Harrell admitted the game was circled on his calendar. Beating his former boss, he said, would mean “more than any other game.”
For Harrell, change hasn’t been just good, it’s been necessary.
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