Mathis: Key To Success Is Building Trust With Players
August 21, 2025 | Football
BOUDLER -- Kevin Mathis, Colorado's Defensive Backs Coach and newly minted Defensive Passing Game Coordinator, is entering his third season with the Buffs, and his approach is simple — yet powerful.
He wants his guys to be the best versions of themselves.
In doing so, Mathis said it's imperative to instill the same mindset into his players.
"They have to believe in themselves, being consistent in every play, and that's what we talk about — consistency," Mathis said. "The more they do that, the more they depend on their athletic ability and trust themselves to be the playmaker that they are, the better they will be."
That's the mindset Mathis has implemented since stepping foot in Boulder. And with a room full of talent, his players have bought in.
McKinney, Parks and Johnson Embracing Competition
While Mathis said he hasn't determined Colorado's starter opposite DJ McKinney, both Teon Parks and RJ Johnson have been competing and pushing each other in that regard.
Mathis added that McKinney, in particular, has taken on a leadership role and set the tone for the room by leading by example.
"McKinney is showing out there every day at practice," Mathis said. "He had a strong day today, and he continues to stack those days because he knows that he wants this to be his last year. He wants it to be the best."
Parks and Johnson, meanwhile, have been in a battle for the other starting cornerback spot. Mathis said they've both performed well, and he'll feel confident playing either guy — or both — when Colorado opens the season against Georgia Tech on Sept. 1.
While McKinney is the elder statesman of the room, Parks and Johnson have relied on him for guidance, as they all continue to improve.
"He's been consistent," Mathis said of Johnson. "He's been consistently being where he's supposed to be. He's in a tough battle over there with Teon, but they both continue to push each other. So, you know, they can go out there competing every day."
Building Off Last Year
Mathis is entering his second season under Defensive Coordinator Rob Livingston. Together, they've been able to build off and improve the defense they started last season.
"Coach Livingston has been great," Mathis said. "One thing he does is he takes the defense to the players, so he gets a good understanding of the players and what they can do and what they can't do. The players love that because you put them in a position to be successful at all times."
Since Livingston is doing all the right things, Mathis said it's his job to make sure his players are in the best position possible to be successful.
Mathis said he has a unique perspective in that regard, as his son, Kaleb, is a wide receiver for the Buffs.
Though Mathis admitted it can be challenging at times, he said it's been a blessing to coach on the same team that both of his sons play on.
"When I'm looking at the defense, I'm worried about the defense first, then him, but he's doing a good job," Mathis said of Kaleb.Â
His other son, Kole, meanwhile, is in his meeting room every day.
Trust and Communication
Whether it's his son or any other player on the team, Mathis said he wants them to know he's in their corner.
At the end of the day, Mathis said his job is to be there for his players and help them grow both on and off the field.
"If I can get them to trust me, they're going to give me everything they got," Mathis said. "But that's the whole thing. You've got to get these guys to trust you and understand that you're a part of their family and you want them to grow."
He wants his guys to be the best versions of themselves.
In doing so, Mathis said it's imperative to instill the same mindset into his players.
"They have to believe in themselves, being consistent in every play, and that's what we talk about — consistency," Mathis said. "The more they do that, the more they depend on their athletic ability and trust themselves to be the playmaker that they are, the better they will be."
That's the mindset Mathis has implemented since stepping foot in Boulder. And with a room full of talent, his players have bought in.
McKinney, Parks and Johnson Embracing Competition
While Mathis said he hasn't determined Colorado's starter opposite DJ McKinney, both Teon Parks and RJ Johnson have been competing and pushing each other in that regard.
Mathis added that McKinney, in particular, has taken on a leadership role and set the tone for the room by leading by example.
"McKinney is showing out there every day at practice," Mathis said. "He had a strong day today, and he continues to stack those days because he knows that he wants this to be his last year. He wants it to be the best."
Parks and Johnson, meanwhile, have been in a battle for the other starting cornerback spot. Mathis said they've both performed well, and he'll feel confident playing either guy — or both — when Colorado opens the season against Georgia Tech on Sept. 1.
While McKinney is the elder statesman of the room, Parks and Johnson have relied on him for guidance, as they all continue to improve.
"He's been consistent," Mathis said of Johnson. "He's been consistently being where he's supposed to be. He's in a tough battle over there with Teon, but they both continue to push each other. So, you know, they can go out there competing every day."
Building Off Last Year
Mathis is entering his second season under Defensive Coordinator Rob Livingston. Together, they've been able to build off and improve the defense they started last season.
"Coach Livingston has been great," Mathis said. "One thing he does is he takes the defense to the players, so he gets a good understanding of the players and what they can do and what they can't do. The players love that because you put them in a position to be successful at all times."
Since Livingston is doing all the right things, Mathis said it's his job to make sure his players are in the best position possible to be successful.
Mathis said he has a unique perspective in that regard, as his son, Kaleb, is a wide receiver for the Buffs.
Though Mathis admitted it can be challenging at times, he said it's been a blessing to coach on the same team that both of his sons play on.
"When I'm looking at the defense, I'm worried about the defense first, then him, but he's doing a good job," Mathis said of Kaleb.Â
His other son, Kole, meanwhile, is in his meeting room every day.
Trust and Communication
Whether it's his son or any other player on the team, Mathis said he wants them to know he's in their corner.
At the end of the day, Mathis said his job is to be there for his players and help them grow both on and off the field.
"If I can get them to trust me, they're going to give me everything they got," Mathis said. "But that's the whole thing. You've got to get these guys to trust you and understand that you're a part of their family and you want them to grow."
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