Reports: Oklahoma Assistant Phil Loadholt Joins Colorado Staff

Originally posted on FanNation All Sooners
By John E. Hoover | Last updated 12/7/23

Big Phil is going home — and leaving a big hole on the Oklahoma coaching staff.

Phil Loadholt, an offensive analyst and assistant offensive line coach at his alma mater for two seasons under Brent Venables, will reportedly be hied by Deion Sanders at Colorado.

That’s according to multiple reports out of Boulder late Wednesday, including BuffZone and Buffs Beat.

From multiple sources: Colorado's Deion Sanders has hired Oklahoma analyst and former Minnesota Vikings tackle Phil Loadholt as the #cubuffs new OL coach.https://t.co/6UViuMuiii
— Brian Howell (@BrianHowell33) December 7, 2023

Loadholt, a native of Fountain, CO, has been helping Bill Bedenbaugh with the OU offensive line since he was hired by Venables two years ago. He previously worked at Ole Miss and Central Florida.

Loadholt played two seasons with the Sooners in 2007 and 2008 after arriving from Garden City College, and at 6-foot-8 and 345 pounds was an immediate and impactful starter. He was a second-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft and went on to play seven seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. He was a key figure blocking for Sam Bradford, DeMarco Murray (currently OU’s running backs coach and Chris Brown on Oklahoma’s record-smashing offense in 2008. He also blocked for Adrian Peterson in Minnesota.

According to BuffZone, Sanders said he had already hired an offensive line coach, but didn’t mention Loadholt by name.

“Offensive line position has already been filled,” Sanders said during a video interview. “A guy with plenty of experience, plenty wherewithal, able to communicate to all the kids from top to bottom. Track record is wonderful. Where he derived from is a tremendous Power 5, and I love everything about it. When he interviewed with me, he knocked it out of the park. He’s ready and prepared. As a matter of fact, he’s already in house.”