Josh Niblett is the tight ends coach for the Colorado Buffaloes. He brings decades of coaching experience from high school and college football to Boulder. Niblett’s teams are known for discipline, versatility, and strong leadership, and his players benefit from his proven approach.
Early Years and High School Career
Josh Niblett grew up in Demopolis, Alabama, and attended Demopolis Academy. He played quarterback and earned first-team All-State honors from the Birmingham News in both his junior and senior seasons. His play and leadership laid the foundation for his future in coaching.
He continued at the University of Alabama from 1993 to 1995 under Coach Gene Stallings, lettering all three years. While he didn’t play in the NFL, his college experience gave him a strong understanding of high-level football.
Coaching Career Success
Niblett started as an assistant at Meadowview Christian Academy in 1997. He then worked at Jacksonville State University until 1999. In 2000, he became the head coach at Oneonta High School.
Each season, his teams improved, and in 2004, he led Oneonta to a 3A State Championship, defeating Winfield 28–21.
After Oneonta, Josh Niblett coached at Oxford for three seasons, then took over Hoover High School in 2008. At Hoover, he won six state championships.
His coaching record in Alabama is 236–58–0 (80.3%). Across other states, he went 26–2–0 (92.9%). Overall, Niblett holds a high school record of 262–60–0 (81.4%).
Awards include Alabama Sports Writers Coach of the Year in 2004 and 2011.
Football runs in the family: his father, John, had a 256–135–0 record, and his brother Tad coached at Foley.
Josh Niblett’s Family Life
Josh Niblett is married to Karon Niblett (sometimes spelled Karen). They have three children.
Their eldest son, Shaw, born around 2008–2009, played youth football and later at Cumberland University. Josh Niblett’s daughter, 20 as of early 2022, played junior college softball at Wallace State Community College.
The youngest son, 16 in early 2022, played alongside Josh at Gainesville High School. Niblett’s family experience with sports gives him insight into developing young athletes.
Joining Colorado Buffaloes
Niblett joined Deion Sanders’ staff in January. Sanders brought Niblett to Colorado to elevate the tight ends, a key part of the new offense.
Josh Niblett focuses on building versatile players who can block, run routes, and create matchup problems.
Developing Tight Ends
Niblett builds his tight ends around preparation and versatility. He makes sure each player knows how to maximize their strengths while improving on weaknesses. The goal is to be ready to block, catch, and create matchup problems wherever they line up.
Zach Atkins, Colorado’s starting tight end in 2025, reflects that approach with 20 receptions for 149 yards and a fumble recovery touchdown. Brady Kopetz and Fisher Clements bring size and blocking ability. Clements, standing 6’7” and a transfer from Northern Colorado, adds a major red zone threat.
Depth players like Zayne DeSouza, Corbin Laisure, and Charlie Williams provide flexibility and support throughout the position group. With Niblett’s guidance, these tight ends are growing into reliable blockers and consistent pass-catchers, becoming central pieces in Colorado’s offense.
Josh Niblett’s coaching combines years of on-field success with experience as a husband and father. This gives him a unique perspective on mentoring young athletes both on and off the field.
From high school championships to developing Colorado’s tight ends, Josh Niblett proves to be a leader with a personal connection to the game.
Also Read: Multiple Colorado Players React To Tim Brewster Resigning As Deion Sanders’ TE Coach