Former Bronco Hopeful About New Coaching Opportunity

Photo by Denver Post

The Metropolitan State College of Denver is in the process of adding the sport of football to their athletic program. The new team has added a small coaching staff. One member of the coaching staff that is a well known Denver Bronco football legacy is Louis Wright.



On January 25, in Pasadena, California, the Rose Bowl Stadium is packed with fans beaming with excitement. Wearing their orange and blue clothing, the fans are ready to cheer and shout on their Denver Broncos. As the Broncos run out on to the field, the team is ready in anticipation for the game ahead and the chance to become the Super Bowl XXI champions. Thirty-six years ago was the last time number 20, Louis Wright, a five time Pro Bowler and a future member of the Bronco's Ring of Fame, would run out of the locker room and play his final game before retiring as a Denver Bronco.

Wright is the new Defensive Coordinator for Metropolitan State College of Denver’s football team. In the past Wright would ask, “Why doesn’t Metro have a football team?” As time has passed his question has been answered, “It’s a great idea and I just want to be part of it.” Wright was asked to become a part of the future coaching staff at Metro State.

The idea of high school kids leaving Denver to go to other regional colleges in Colorado to play football made Wright want to be involved with a new, growing team with future potential. “It is ideal; it is a perfect fit for Denver and a great idea to have a team.” Wright said, “Especially for kids that can’t afford other schools, it gives them a chance to play college football.”

Wright is currently a high school football coach for Rangeview High School in Aurora. “I am coaching high school football and have coached one year of junior college. I just love coaching.” With Wright's passion for the game of football and coaching he has decided to take on a new challenge “I want to coach college football,” Wright said as he smiles on a warm Sunday afternoon.

Wright, in the red jacket, coaching a Metro State practice.

Wright's philosophy on coaching was taught to him by his former coaches. “I’m from the school of teaching. We have to slow it down, I don’t want to run the guys off, I want them to enjoy it and have fun.” Wright is a coach that loves to teach his players. Some coaches show the emphasis on just telling their players what to do. In order for his players to succeed he makes sure that they are having fun but that they also have to work hard. “Football is fun, if you are going to be out there breaking your bones, sweating and hurting, you at least have to be having fun at some point.”

When Wright hung up his cleats and pads, he could not see himself leaving Denver. Denver had become his home. It was for the beauty of the city and how well it had treated him. “I’ve been in Colorado for so long I just don’t want to leave,” Wright said. This upcoming fall Wright hopes to be able to recruit high school players to build a full team to play a full season of football. Now Wright wants to work with the few players that have joined the new team at Metro State.

Wright will be taking things slow for his new defense team. “I do more teaching to get everyone to a point that they are enjoying it and are mentally prepared. I like teaching.” Wright said very positively, “If you teach them and rep them and you practice them when it gets to the time to do it they will do it.” Wright wants his defense team to enjoy the sport and to be very passionate about playing football. “I am an avid supporter and will do whatever it takes to make this dream come true.” Coach Wright said. This is the dream of coaching a college football team at Metro State.