Big 12 Coach Slams Deion Sanders, Says Colorado is 'Still a Circus'

Deion Sanders enters his third year at Colorado with a renewed sense of optimism. For the first time in his coaching career, he can focus on not having a double role as dad and coach. Both of his sons, Shilo and Shedeur, forge their own paths in the NFL, leaving many to wonder what's next in Boulder?

One anonymous Big 12 assistant coach gave an outside perspective about Sanders' future in Boulder and questioned if he would be committed to the job for the long haul.

"It's still a circus," the opposing coach said in Athlon Sports' 2025 College Football Preview. "That's not an insult to Deion, but it is. They've turned over a ton in the portal, and they're trying to make it out like it's a competition-based result, but they're really going to struggle on the offensive line because of how Deion manages the culture here. This is a roster with big holes and a lot of questions." He went on to say, "With his sons gone, this is the year you really wonder what Deion's long-term plan is?"

Athlon's staff spoke with an anonymous conference coach to preview all 136 college football teams in the nation, asking them to evaluate opposing teams. It's no surprise that Sanders drew one of the most extreme quotes. The transfer portal approach isn't for every program and some coaches have lobbied against it. However, Sanders and his staff prefer players with experience who are looking to be coached by those with the most NFL experience.

Can Colorado remain a Big 12 contender without two of their biggest stars in 2025. The post-Shedeur Sanders/Travis Hunter era will be interesting to watch. There will be a quarterback battle between Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter and five-star freshman Julian Lewis. While Salter brings the most experience as a three-year starter, Lewis is expected to turn heads as the future of the program.

As for Hunter, it's difficult to replace the best receiver and defensive back. The Heisman winner set the bar high for the next wave, but defensive backs DJ McKinney, Carter Stoutmire, and Preston Hodge are returning. Colorado's secondary finished 40th in passing yards per game last season. On offense, Drelon Miller and Omarion Miller will lead the receiver room and look to replace the production value Hunter established last year.

For those who question Sanders' level of commitment, his actions should speak louder than words. He appears to be locked in for the foreseeable future at Colorado after signing a five-year, $54 million extension eariler this year. The move made him the highest-paid coach in the Big 12. 

For the third straight season in the Sanders era, the Buffaloes will be featured on network TV for the season opener. Colorado welcomes Georgia Tech into Folsom Field on Friday, August 29 (8 p.m. ET on ESPN).