Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders took over a program that finished 1-11 in 2022. Under his leadership, the Buffaloes secured 13 wins, including nine last season, and earned a bowl appearance.
On Friday, March 28, the school announced that Sanders signed a five-year contract extension worth $54 million. While the deal reflects his impact on the program, some analysts believe it’s also a strategic move to keep him from exploring other coaching opportunities.
Colorado Locks Down Deion Sanders Amid NFL, College Football Speculation
On a recent episode of “The Ruffino & Joe Show,” analysts Blake Ruffino and Joe Beleone weighed in on Sanders’ contract. They suggested Colorado structured the deal to keep him from jumping to the NFL or returning to his alma mater, Florida State.
“I think Colorado is smart enough to realize that Mike Norvell is doing very poorly at Florida State. There’s a possibility in the next couple of years that Mike Norvell could get fired… I think there’s some foresight by Colorado to prevent that from happening, at least until this extension is done with,” Beleone said.
According to the contract, Sanders will earn $10 million in 2026, $11 million in 2027 and 2028, and $12 million in 2029.
If he leaves for another coaching job before the contract expires, his buyout starts at $12 million in 2025 and decreases to $10 million in 2026, $6 million in 2027, $4 million in 2028, and $3 million in 2029.
However, he can retire without penalty as long as he does not take another coaching job.
Sanders has revitalized Colorado football, bringing energy and national attention to the program. The extension rewards his success while making it more difficult for NFL teams or rival programs to lure him away.
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The question now is whether he can elevate the Buffaloes to a level of success that justifies the investment.
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