Deion Branch promoted to wide receiver coach on Louisville football staff

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- It's been anything but a secret that the next University of Louisville football staff member would be Deion Branch. The legendary Cardinals receiver and MVP of Super Bowl XXXIX with the New England Patriots has been on staff for the past three years and was officially elevated to wide receivers coach Monday.

Branch has been serving as Louisville's director or player development, a valuable resource for players. If guys had trouble with any kind of basic life stuff, from car repairs to time management, Branch was there. Players called him, "Unc." Branch also was Louisville's head coach for one game, leading Louisville to a 24-7 victory in the Fenway Bowl in 2022.

Now, he'll jump feet first in the role of on-field coach, a move he's been pondering for some time.

"We are excited to have Deion as our new wide receivers' coach," Brohm said. "As one of the school's all-time best receivers and a former Super Bowl MVP, Deion has exhibited excellence at the position and has been a tremendous ambassador for our program. Our receivers are fortunate to be able to learn from a person as accomplished and knowledgeable as Deion. He's been a valuable member of our staff since I arrived back at Louisville, and I'm excited for what Deion will bring to this new role."

Branch played for the Cards from 2000-01 and became one of only three wide receivers in school history to record back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons.

"I'm truly blessed and honored for the opportunity to pursue my coaching dream at the University of Louisville," Branch said. "I want to thank Coach Brohm, the university and Josh Heird for believing in my ability to lead young men and helping them become great players and leaders," Branch said. "I vow to continue to give my alma mater my commitment in building a winning program and helping our players in their development."

Branch will talk more about his promotion at a news conference Tuesday afternoon.