Marty English considers himself to be very fortunate.
Wyoming's defensive ends coach has returned to the Brown and Gold this year after a hiatus down south of nine years at Colorado State and Northern Colorado.
In a most transient business, he has spent his 34 years as a collegiate football coach along the Front Range, and that's just alright with him.
"My wife Suzie and I made a conscious decision when I started in this business that we wanted to be in this part of the country, and we wouldn't move away for money or titles. A lot of people in my business aren't lucky enough to have been able to do that. We've been very blessed to have remained where we really wanted to live."
English admits he has turned down several jobs where he could have made more money. But the native of Lakewood, Colo., has been able to raise his family in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains.
He's happy to be back in Wyoming.
"We've returned to a place that my family and I have loved and enjoyed," he says. "It's very special to me to come back.
"In Suzie's case, she loves teaching here. Her friends are here. We have been close enough for her to stay in touch with them, and maintain the relationships. It's as special for her to be back here as it is me."
In fact, Marty is in the exact same office he was in when he left Wyoming in 2011. During that time away, he was defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for the Rams from 2012 to 2017, and the Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Coach at his alma mater Northern Colorado.
"When I left here, I didn't believe the culture was very good, so I felt I had to leave. Culture is very big to me.
"From the outside I watched Coach (Craig) Bohl grow this program and create an unbelievable culture. When we (CSU) played the Cowboys it was easy to see how much the kids cared about each other and the program. Of course, along with that, the facilities have obviously changed since I was here last.
"But I certainly wasn't surprised by all of that. Once I was away from here it was even more apparent to me how much everyone cares. Wyoming Pride is very special. Sometimes you don't realize as much about something until you go away. Everything is so genuine here because the people are genuine."
According to English the coaching business is all about who you work for and who you work with, and he is enjoying that here.
"I'm so fortunate to be able to come back here," he says. "Coach Bohl has created something very special. We have great kids and a group of coaches who feel like I do. The timing of this opportunity couldn't have been more perfect for me.
"After 34 years in the business, I'm at a stage in my career where I have the opportunity to coach a position while at the same time enjoy time with my family. To come back and do both is really special."
English's first stint at Wyoming was certainly successful. He helped the Cowboys win the 2004 Las Vegas Bowl over UCLA, win the 2009 New Mexico Bowl over Fresno State and earn a bid to the 2011 New Mexico Bowl. He coached the Wyoming linebackers from 2003-08. He was elevated to defensive coordinator for the 2009-11 seasons while continuing to coach the Poke linebackers.
He is a highly-respected recruiter, especially in the state of Colorado. He has an outstanding track record when it comes to attracting Colorado student-athletes to Wyoming who have played a huge role in Wyoming's football success. Names like John Fletcher, Brian Hendricks, Dusty Hoffschneider, Gabe Knapton, Mike Purcell, Mitch Unrein and Eddie Yarbrough were all recruited by Marty out of Colorado
"Having grown up in Colorado, I've built a lot of relationships through the years. Guys I grew up with, played with or coached. Now they are the parents and grandparents of the kids we're recruiting these days," Marty laughs. "I've been able to make a lot of connections over the years.
"Colorado has been great for Wyoming. Through the years we've relied heavily on Colorado kids. It turns into a regional pride because we are so close. We've been fortunate to attract a lot of guys to Wyoming, and I stay in touch with dang-near everyone one of them. There's a lot of genuine respect."
A very interesting aspect of English's career is that he has coached on both sides of the Border War. Including his six years with the Rams, he has been a part of 15 Border Wars. "I've been on the winning side for eight of those 15," he says.
"There is one thing you can't help but notice between the two places," he continues. "The rivalry is extremely important to us here. I never felt it was the same down there. I really like the perspective Wyoming has for The Boot. There's just not the same pride for the game."
While he's only been back for a short time, and during a challenging time at that, he has a great feeling about the Cowboys.
"What I love about our kids is that there is a great belief among them that they will be successful. They do a great job of holding each other to a high standard. They have each other's backs, and the older kids do an excellent job of helping the young players. It's a very healthy situation, but that's the Bohl culture that I'm talking about."
Yes, Marty fits Wyoming. "It's great to be back. My family and I are so happy here."
