Colorado, a football program that has struggled mightily to compete in the PAC-12 in recent seasons, is reportedly close to naming one of college football’s biggest names as its head coach. Deion Sanders, who had recently narrowed his choices down to Colorado and Cincinnati, is said to be headed to the Buffaloes shortly.
Pete Thamel of ESPN reported on Friday night that while no official deal has been reached, Sanders is likely going to join Colorado after his current team, Jackson State, plays in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship Game against Southern on Saturday.
Sources: Deion Sanders and his associates have spent the week recruiting on-field staff, support staff and transfer portal players to Colorado. While a deal isn’t finalized, Sanders has been preparing for his exit to Boulder for after the SWAC title game. https://t.co/qDxbratFZq
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 3, 2022
It had previously been reported that Colorado offered Sanders roughly $5 million annually. It’s certainly not surprising to see Sanders (or any coach) take kind of money.
Still, given Colorado’s prestige (or lack thereof) in the college football world, this report drew some strong reactions.
This is incredible. How Rick George pulled this off, I’ll never know, but he just saved his legacy and then some. Monster, monster hire 🦬🦬🦬 https://t.co/DSmO4cw4pK
— Will Petersen (@PetersenWill) December 3, 2022
Deion will win the Pac-12 at Colorado in 2-3 years#PrimeTime
Hey @TheScottyMoose, we hitting up Boulder? https://t.co/QWysGF0NLO
— Nick Kosko (@nickkosko59) December 3, 2022
Wow Buffs could be BACK. @AshleighWalters 👀 https://t.co/4QmKgFCOhM
— Chris Stewart (@CStewartNews) December 3, 2022
I’m told they’re gussying up the football facilities in Boulder to welcome a new coach.
Will it be Prime? https://t.co/xT5IfUyW7k
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) December 3, 2022
I cannot believe this may be happening. My god, the Buffs might actually be trying this whole football thing. https://t.co/i0e4woq4g2 pic.twitter.com/ikUR3OlpnY
— Dave Southorn (@davesouthorn) December 3, 2022
That goes along with sources have told me this week. I have not been covering the story bc swamped w Broncos' work. But confidence of landing Sanders has grown significantly over the past few days. Should know on Saturday night or Sunday. #CUBuffs. #Denver7 https://t.co/QXR0XpRh08
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) December 3, 2022
Colorado just hit the jackpot. Deion has brought a ton of incredible attention to HBCUs. Disappointing, but great for Buffs. https://t.co/dWdMKsz3fO
— Ari Temkin (@arisports) December 3, 2022
The Buffaloes were one of college football’s best programs from the late-1980s through the mid-1990s. More recently, though, it’s been rough in Boulder.
Colorado has enjoyed only two winning seasons since 2006. The Buffaloes went 10-4 in 2016 and 4-2 in the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season.
Since joining the Pac-12 in 2013, the bad days in Boulder have far outnumbered the good. Over the last 10 seasons, Colorado has gone 44-73 overall and 24-61 in Pac-12 play. In 2022, the Buffaloes went 1-11 overall and 1-8 in conference games.
There’s a lot of work to be done for Sanders in Boulder. But in three seasons at Jackson State, he has an overall record of 26-5 and has gone 19-2 in SWAC play. So, the Buffaloes are getting a man who has a high profile and is used to winning.
[Pete Thamel on Twitter]
