Vic So'oto says he didn't leave CU for 'family reasons'

BOULDER — We’ve got drama.

Former Colorado defensive line coach Vic So’oto refuted Colorado’s claim that he left the program for “family reasons” on Tuesday morning, shortly before news broke that he was joining Cal’s staff. So’oto, 34, was hired on Dec. 30 but CU announced his departure on Monday. So’oto will serve as the outside linebackers coach at Cal.

Coached across the country and will continue to do so. I’m thankful for Rick, Karl and the gang and wish them nothing but the best. My decision was based on a lot of reasons and thankfully we aren’t in dire need of support at this moment, like the statement sounds.

All love. 🤙🏽

— Vic So'oto (@Coach_Sooto) March 1, 2022

In a short press release on Monday, CU said So’oto was going to take a coaching position in the state of Colorado for family reasons and noted that So’oto has five children. The release also included the following quote from head coach Karl Dorrell:

“It is disappointing we’re losing Vic after just two months, but this is purely family related,” Dorrell said. “He has five young children and with most of both sides of his family living in California, they can use the additional support. So we understand why he wants to take advantage of an opportunity to move back and be closer to them.”

Not ideal. So’oto was one of my favorite hires this offseason. pic.twitter.com/TZfGYoBkmh

— Henry Chisholm (@HenryChisholm) February 28, 2022

So’oto and the CU staff are clearly not on the same page, as the coach said he was taking the best opportunity. This could have been an attempt for CU to save face after losing an assistant in a lateral move within the conference. Regardless, something strange happened behind the scenes.