Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Deion Sanders, Colorado Add Former NFL Offensive Coordinator To Staff

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By J.C. Shelton | Last updated Mar 19, 2025 5:20 PM ET

Head coach Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes have reportedly made a significant addition to the coaching staff as spring practice gets underway ahead of the 2025 college football season.

After winning just four games in Sanders' first year at the helm, Colorado witnessed a major turnaround in 2024 with the first winning season (9-4) by the program since 2016.

A key difference last season was a new-look offense behind offensive coordinator and NFL coaching veteran Pat Shurmur. The 59-year old was previously promoted from co-offensive coordinator after the departure of Sean Lewis to San Diego State.

Shurmur is expected to get some additional help this season from former NFL quarterback and offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich, who was hired by Colorado on Wednesday, according to Jordan Schultz of Fox.

Leftwich, 45, was the No. 7 overall pick out of Marshall in 2003. After a 10-year NFL career at quarterback, he joined the coaching ranks in 2016 with the Arizona Cardinals as an intern.

Leftwich's career took a significant turn in 2018 when he became interim offensive coordinator for the Cardinals. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers took a chance on Leftwich at offensive coordinator the following season, and he helped lead quarterback Tom Brady and Co. to a Super Bowl LV win over the Kansas City Chiefs in February 2021.

Leftwich, who was fired by Tampa Bay ahead of the 2023 season, interviewed this past cycle for the head coaching role with the New England Patriots and as offensive coordinator with the Seattle Seahawks, according to Schultz.

Instead, Leftwich enters the college coaching ranks for the first time in his career alongside Sanders at Colorado.

The Buffaloes began spring practice on March 11 and are expected to host a scrimmage game on April 19. Colorado is slated to open the 2025 season at home against Georgia Tech on Aug. 29.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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