BOULDER, Colo. — Deion Sanders: A Proud Father and Coach
Deion Sanders, the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, continues to show his unwavering support for his sons, Shedeur and Shilo, even in the midst of a busy coaching career. Whether he is surrounded by cameras and reporters or not, he eagerly answers FaceTime calls from Shedeur, who is poised to be a first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Sanders remains a proud father, defending both his sons’ talents during this pivotal time.
However, as Colorado kicked off spring practice this month, there was a noticeable shift. For the first time in his coaching career, Sanders found himself uncertain about who would take the snaps as quarterback. This uncertainty comes after he shifted Shilo from quarterback to defensive back, recognizing Shedeur’s exceptional potential early on.
In the absence of his sons, Sanders has had to adapt his coaching style. His well-known early morning mini-sermons to the team — including his infamous promise about Louis Vuitton luggage — are now delivered without Shedeur and Shilo in the audience. Meanwhile, the star of the team, Travis Hunter, a two-way player and Heisman Trophy winner whom Sanders affectionately refers to as his “other son,” is also NFL-bound, expected to be drafted early this month.
Despite skepticism from critics and opponents who thought Sanders’ coaching stint was merely a stepping stone for his sons, he has proven them wrong. Now entering his third year at Colorado, following a successful 9-4 season, Sanders has recently secured a contract extension worth over $10 million a year, running through 2029. This extension reflects not only the confidence the university has in him but also the transformation he has brought to the program.
“I love it because I only have to wear one hat,” Sanders remarked. “When you’re a dad and a coach, you’re juggling two roles. You’re coaching hard, but naturally, you’re also concerned about your kids. I’ve adopted many players on this team that I care about deeply, but it’s not the same as your biological children.”
Since arriving in Boulder, Sanders has consistently expressed his admiration for Colorado, its stunning landscapes, and the warm welcome he received from the campus community. The university has granted him the freedom to rebuild the program in his unique style, and the results have been promising. Not only did last season’s bowl game attract record TV ratings, but ticket sales and applications to the school have also surged.
The new contract stipulates that Sanders would owe the university $12 million if he leaves for another job before December 31, 2025, a figure that decreases to $10 million the following year. However, should he choose to retire, there would be no financial penalties. If he returns to coaching later on, he would still be obligated to pay the buyout agreed upon in his contract.
Though there was some speculation about a potential move to the Dallas Cowboys, Sanders emphasized that he was not using it as a leverage tactic. “If I had the chance to continue coaching Shilo and Shedeur, I would have been overjoyed,” he stated.
Maintaining his distinctive approach to coaching, Sanders has kept cameras rolling around the facility, documenting the program for various YouTube channels—including one run by his eldest son, Deion Sanders Jr.—as well as the “Coach Prime” show on Amazon, which recently aired its third season. Actor Denzel Washington even joined a team meeting via FaceTime last month to share his wisdom with the players.
“I wish I had my notebook with me because I wrote down so many insights from that interview,” said sophomore offensive tackle Jordan Seaton.
In addition to coaching, Sanders has ventured into the media, co-hosting a talk show titled “We Got Time Today” on Tubi alongside Rocsi Diaz. He recently had to clarify rumors regarding a romantic relationship with Diaz after his five-year engagement with Tracey Edmonds ended in December 2023.
Sanders’ trademark “Coach Prime” merchandise continues to be a top seller at the team’s store, and his health seems to be improving as well. The noticeable limp that plagued him during his first year at Colorado has vanished, and he has not publicly discussed his previous foot issues in months. In 2021, blood clots led to the loss of two toes and nearly claimed his life, prompting him to undergo additional surgery before the 2023 season to alleviate persistent pain.
With the exciting journey ahead, Sanders is now focused on building upon last season’s success while navigating the challenge of replacing three of the most recognizable players on the roster.
“I don’t inherit legacies,” Sanders declared during an appearance on “The Skip Bayless Show” last month. “I build them.”
This spring, Sanders is overseeing a quarterback competition for the very first time as a college coach. Four-star freshman JuJu Lewis, who flipped his commitment from USC, is contending with Kaidon Salter, a former four-star recruit who began his collegiate career at Tennessee before transferring to Liberty, where he accounted for 66 touchdowns in just two seasons.
“Who’s going to step up? We don’t know yet. No one is getting a clear nod,” Sanders explained. “We’re putting both of them to the test to see how they respond to what offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur throws at them.”
During his initial season at Jackson State in 2020, Sanders inherited a returning starter in Jalon Jones. Apart from Shedeur, Jones is the only quarterback who has experienced a full season under Sanders’ leadership. Now, that exclusive group is set to expand.
“I’m sure there were a lot more family dinners with Shedeur,” Jones said humorously, reflecting on his time with Sanders.
For Jones, playing under Sanders provided a unique perspective on the values he instilled in his sons. He learned professionalism, self-presentation, and how to lead an offense effectively. Jones described Sanders as “a regular guy like you and me,” which made the experience even more relatable.
Despite the challenges he faced, including playing through a groin injury and eventually losing his starting position, Jones transferred out, partly due to Shedeur’s arrival. He had initially committed to Jackson State to play for Deion Sanders, but he recognized the talent Shedeur brought to the team.
While Deion’s focus was on Shedeur, the bond between father and son was evident, especially on game days. As they walked down the sideline together before kickoffs, Sanders shifted from coach to father, creating a unique duality in their relationship.
“I had no idea that happened,” Jones said, appreciating the special connection they shared. “That’s a unique bond.”
Even though Shedeur and Shilo are no longer on the team, their influence lingers. Freshman All-American Seaton, who built a rapport with Shedeur, has adopted his mindset of leading by example and embracing confidence on the field. “Coming in as a freshman with high expectations, it’s easy to feel pressure,” Seaton commented. “But I’ve learned to know my worth and carry myself with confidence.”
Similarly, Lewis has formed a connection with Shedeur, recognizing the advantage of having a talented player like him to learn from. “It’s definitely a blessing to have someone like him who’s paved the way,” Lewis said.
To enhance his roster, Sanders once again turned to the transfer portal, adding experienced players like guard Zy Crisler, who started three years at Illinois, and Jehiem Oatis, a four-star transfer from Alabama expected to bolster the defensive line. However, Sanders’ reliance on the portal has begun to decrease, with just over half of the incoming class being transfers— a stark contrast to the overhaul seen in his first two seasons.
With the departure of key players like Hunter, who was not only the team’s best receiver but also a standout defensive back, Sanders faces the challenge of replacing seven starters from last season’s defense. The top four receivers are also gone, but three offensive line starters, including Seaton, are returning.
Defensive line coach Warren Sapp, a Pro Football Hall of Famer promoted from graduate assistant this offseason, acknowledged the need for the defense to step up. “Without the best QB in America anymore, we need to elevate our game,” he stated. “It’s on us.”
Retaining defensive coordinator Robert Livingston, who significantly improved the Buffaloes’ defensive performance last season, was a major win for Sanders. Under Livingston’s guidance, the defense jumped from 115th in yards per play to 33rd, and from 124th in scoring to 42nd with mostly the same personnel.
“That was a top priority,” Sanders noted. “Rob was on every school’s radar, and he deserves every bit of what he’s getting now.” Livingston expressed gratitude for the opportunity and the impact Colorado has had on his life and family.
“I was like a dog on the side of the road that people noticed but didn’t pick up,” he said. “Now, they’ve changed my life, and it’s my job to repay that faith.”
Last season, Livingston referred to himself as “Ted Lasso,” trying to inspire his players to believe in their potential. This season, with a revamped roster, belief is much easier to come by. “I genuinely feel we’ll have a better team,” he asserted. “We lost some phenomenal players, but as a team, I believe we’re stronger on both lines and in the backfield, especially with the addition of Marshall Faulk.”
Faulk’s hiring as running backs coach exemplifies Sanders’ commitment to recruiting NFL legends with little coaching experience to join his staff. “You can’t find better knowledge,” Sapp commented about Faulk’s insights into protections learned alongside NFL greats like Peyton Manning and Kurt Warner. “We’re not here for money; we’re here to help Prime win a championship.”
The coaching staff has also seen the addition of Domata Peko, a 15-year NFL veteran, and Gunnar White, who will oversee the defensive and offensive lines, respectively. Former Buffaloes star and NFL veteran Andre Gurode, who recently coached in the UFL, has joined as an assistant offensive line coach. Sanders has also appeared alongside Faulk and Sapp on NFL Network.
Faulk, who had turned down coaching opportunities since retiring in 2005, has found himself drawn to the profession through Sanders’ influence. He takes over a backfield that struggled last season, ranking 133rd out of 134 teams in yards per carry. “I can guarantee we’re going to be better,” Faulk reassured.
Sapp expressed his excitement about his new role, stating, “I’m addicted to this. I never thought I would want to coach, but now I love it. The players are responding, and we’re having a fantastic time.”
As Deion Sanders embarks on his third year at Colorado, the face and voice of the football program remain consistent, even as the roster and coaching staff undergo significant changes. Every morning, he shares motivational messages with his 1.8 million followers on X and 5.2 million on Instagram. He often scrolls through social media, noticing a remarkable shift since last season.
“I rarely see reminders of our 4-8 debut season anymore,” Sanders reflected. “It used to be everywhere. Now, it feels like a distant memory.”
(Top photo: Ron Chenoy / USA Today)
