Brett Bartolone

Bartolone Stresses Details In Tight End Room At Colorado

August 12, 2025 | Football

BOULDER--Brett Bartolone, a pivotal figure in the Colorado football coaching staff, is known for his versatility and strategic acumen. 

As the tight ends and passing game coordinator, he wears multiple hats, each demanding its own set of skills and expertise.

His ability to adapt and thrive in various roles is a testament to his dedication and passion for the game.

Maximizing Offensive Versatility

One of Bartolone's key responsibilities is managing the tight ends and enhancing the passing game. He believes that the tight end position can be a game-changer for the offense.

When the tight end is a threat in both the passing and running game, it forces the defense to play more honestly and prevents them from predicting plays.

Bartolone emphasizes the importance of having players who can excel in both aspects of the game, making the offense more versatile and unpredictable.

"We have great players out of 10 personnel," Bartolone said. "I think we have great players out of 11 and 12 personnel, and I think we should be able to run and throw the football out of all those personnel groupings."

Player Development

Bartolone is deeply committed to player development, and he approaches this task with a meticulous eye for detail.

He grades his players rigorously, focusing on execution and technique. His philosophy is that everything in football matters, from hat placement to hand positioning.

By emphasizing these small but crucial details, Bartolone ensures that his players are well-prepared for game day. He believes that games often come down to one or two plays, and it's the attention to detail that can make the difference between winning and losing.

"It's a competitive environment," Bartolonen said.  "You're going back and forth with the defense. Offense will win some days, defense will win some days. It goes back and forth. That's competitive. For us as a room, the execution still needs to climb and remain the same. That's what we stay on about." 

Collaboration and Growth

Bartolone's role as passing game coordinator also involves close collaboration with fellow coaches, especially the offensive line coaches. He has a longstanding relationship with Gunner White and values the expertise and camaraderie they share.

Bartolone believes that having knowledgeable and dedicated coaches is essential for the team's success, and he considers himself fortunate to work alongside such individuals. Their collaboration and mutual respect contribute to the overall growth and development of the players.

Bartolone's coaching journey has been enriched by his association with Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders. Having worked with Coach Prime at Jackson State and now at Colorado, Bartolone has witnessed the growth and evolution of both himself and his fellow coaches.

Coach Prime's ability to motivate and inspire players and coaches alike has had a profound impact on Bartolone's coaching philosophy.

By embracing different roles and coaching various positions, Bartolone has gained invaluable insights that have shaped him into a well-rounded and confident coach.

Special Teams' Importance

In addition to his roles with the tight ends and passing game, Bartolone also places a strong emphasis on special teams. He believes that special teams are a critical component of the game and can often determine the outcome.

Bartolone expects his tight ends to contribute significantly to special teams, as their size and athleticism make them valuable assets in that aspect of the game.

By emphasizing the importance of special teams, Bartolone ensures that his players are well-rounded and can make an impact in multiple facets of the game.

"We probably have a couple guys in the room whose contribution on special teams is going to affect if they make the bus or not," Bartolone said. "So, special teams is important. It's a big part of what we do, and the tight end position has big, long, strong bodies, and we need every single tight end on a unit or two of special teams at the bare minimum, so we heavily emphasize that in the room."

A Holistic Approach

Bartolone's multifaceted coaching role at Colorado is a testament to his dedication and passion for the game. By focusing on personnel, player development, collaboration, and special teams, he contributes to the overall success and growth of the team.

His attention to detail, strategic mindset, and commitment to excellence make him an invaluable asset to the Colorado football program.

Bartolone's holistic approach to coaching ensures that the team is well-prepared, versatile, and ready to compete at the highest level.
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