From Coach Prime to Cowboy Tough: Gary Harrell Reflects in One-on-One Interview
- Jeff Bugher
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
LARAMIE, Wyo. — Gary “The Flea” Harrell might be new to Wyoming, but his message is already loud and clear: effort, discipline and energy will define his running backs room.
Harrell, who joined the University of Wyoming football staff this spring following the abrupt departure of former running backs coach Donnell Kirkwood who departed on the first day of spring camp. Harrell brings a wealth of experience from stints at Jackson State, Howard University, and most recently, Colorado.
How did Harrell find out about the opportunity?
“I saw it on social media,” Harrell said of the Wyoming job opening. “Ironically, that day, I had a mutual friend that passed my information on to Coach [Jay] Sawvel. It gave me an opportunity to come up here and present myself — which I haven’t done in a while. You know, moving from job to job. It was very fun and intriguing to come here fast, and pretty much just fit into the behavior.”
Who was the mutual friend?
The connection that helped bring Harrell to Wyoming actually began back when he was at Colorado. “A while back, Jovon Bouknight (University of Wyoming wide receivers coach) wanted to come to Colorado to see practice, and when he came, I was very hospitable. I took care of him,” Harrell explained. “Even though it was my first time meeting him, we built a relationship from that point. That just worked out that way. It wasn’t like I knew people for years — just that short time we had a chance to bond. Being kind, being who I am — that helped.”
Harrell is best known nationally for his time on Deion Sanders’ coaching staff at Jackson State and Colorado, who served as a great mentor for Gary.
What did Harrell learn from Coach Prime?
“I learned a lot of things from Coach Prime that were untraditional, but they worked,” Harrell said. “He gave me the idea to think outside the box and just be there when needed. I had the opportunity to step in and call games when he couldn’t travel. Just keep it going — keep it running the way he wanted it done.”
When asked what he carries with him most from that experience, Harrell paused before answering: “Faith. Once you believe that certain goals and things can be accomplished — once you share that vision and dream with the team — everyone starts to believe. No matter the adversity, something good is gonna come out on the other end.”
Listen In: Our Virtual Podcast Breaks Down This Story
He pointed to their success at Jackson State and the steps taken at Colorado as proof of that approach: “Maybe not right away, maybe not instantly, but a year or two later — we were able to put it together and win championships.”
Now, he’s working to instill the same belief and consistency into Wyoming’s running backs, a group he says is still developing but full of potential, especially with several new additions.
“We’ve got some work to do,” Harrell admitted. “The most important thing I see is they’re coachable. They’re trying hard. Conditioning is one thing — if we want to have a great season, we’ve got to be in football shape. We’re not where we need to be in terms of finishing right now.”
He continued, “They make plays on certain days, but we’ve got to be more consistent. We’ve got to stack days together. But the encouraging thing is — you can always go up from there.”
When asked what fans might not see on Saturdays this fall, Harrell emphasized the less glamorous but equally critical details.
“Just finishing. Just being a part of the scheme that Coach Sawvel put together. Every position group has to do their part,” he said. “We have to be disciplined, sound, explosive when needed — and bring energy to the team.”
One of the key pieces Harrell hopes will help drive competition in the room is senior Sam Scott, who has missed time this spring while recovering from a leg injury.
“Sam’s going to be a big part of what we do because of the size he brings and everything that goes with it,” Harrell said. “We want to have different styles, and Sam gives us options. We support him with everything he’s going through and look forward to having him back.”
Before Wyoming, JSU, and Colorado...
Harrell played wide receiver for Howard University in Washington, D.C. He then played in the NFL for the New York Giants from 1994 to 1995. He also played in NFL Europe and the Canadian Football League. He's had several stops along his coaching career, but we want to point out that he does have five years of head coaching experience at his alma mater, Howard (2011 to 2016).
While Harrell is all business on the field, off the field he keeps things simple.
“I’m into golf. I’m a family guy. For the most part, I go home, watch sports, and just enjoy myself,” he said. “That’s where I kind of get my relaxation — that’s my sanctuary.”
Harrell is primed to help Wyoming’s running backs take the next step — one rep, one meeting, and one stacked practice at a time.
“I want guys to be competitive, to push each other, but to compete,” he said. “Because at the end of the day, we’ve got tough men here. And I’m here to help them reach their potential.”
Don't forget to sign up for our email list, and follow us on our socials!
Subscribe to receive our newsletter here (no spam, we promise): Subscribe
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pokesnews
X (formerly known as Twitter): https://x.com/Pokes_News
Comments