Former football coaches love to tell stories, especially at each other’s expense.
The Metro Denver Sports Commission happened upon a sure cure for Rocky Mountain Showdown luncheon tedium when it pulled Gary Barnett (Colorado’s coach from 1999-2005) and Sonny Lubick (Colorado State’s coach from 1993-2007) out of their forced retirements Wednesday.
Barnett and Lubick weren’t particularly cordial before, during and after their matchups most years. Their relationship warmed toward the end, after their wives befriended each other at a Nike sponsor event.
And they love talking football. Lubick was at his convoluted best Wednesday while Barnett played his straight man routine.
Naturally, the former CSU coach wanted to discuss the Rams’ 1999 rout of the Buffs. He talked about Denver police firing tear gas at “our poor little band.” He talked about his halftime speech, leading 28-0.
“The first guy who is smiling is going to get punched in the mouth,” Lubick recalled saying to his players.
Barnett interjected, “There were other games (in the series) besides 1999. Like 2003, 2004, 2005.” (All CU wins.)
Barnett and Lubick will be featured on the Root pregame show Saturday. The ex-coaches said they were on their best behavior for the TV cameras.
As for luncheon duties, Barnett said, “This is easier than being a head coach.”
