By Larry Hicks | Special to The OBSERVER

The historic hiring of Brennan Marion as Sacramento State’s first Black head football coach is offering its first on-field look at what is to come over the next few weeks during the Hornets’ spring session.

Marion, most recently the offensive coordinator at UNLV, is known as an offensive innovator, showcasing an attack called the “Go-Go.”

Following the 2023 season, Marion, 37, earned the Mountain West Wire coordinator of the year honor and was a nominee for the prestigious Broyles Award in his first season at UNLV. The Rebels that season scored 40-plus points a school-record six times and had 24 points in a school-record 10 straight games. The Rebels finished sixth in the FBS in third-down conversions (49.3%), tied for eighth in red-zone offense (93.1%) and 22nd in scoring (34.4 ppg).

During Marion’s two years with the Rebels, the offense finished at or near the top in most categories. UNLV had 19 wins over the past two seasons.

After five years of success, including Big Sky Conference championships, the Hornets are coming off a subpar campaign, finishing the 2024 season at 3-9. Hornets fans are hoping for a quick return to the top.

Marion is in a small circle of Black coaches who lead Football Bowl Subdivision and Football Championship Subdivision programs.

The spring session concludes Sunday, April 13, with an intrasquad game.

HORNETS’ REMAINING SPRING SCHEDULE

Friday, March 28, 8:40-10 a.m.

Monday, April 7, 8:40-10 a.m.

Wednesday, April 9, 8:40-10 a.m.

Friday, April 11, 8:40-10 a.m.

Saturday, April 12, 10:15-11:30 a.m.

Sunday, April 13, 4-5:30 p.m. (Spring game)