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Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders. Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Why Deion Sanders might not remain at Colorado for long

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 9/26/23

Regardless of how Colorado's season ends, it's already a certified success under first-year head coach Deion Sanders. It's anyone's guess how long the Buffaloes' winning streak will last, but an even bigger question is how long until another program lures Sanders away from Boulder.

Schools like Auburn and Georgia Tech already whiffed when they passed on Sanders last offseason. Sure, Auburn's Hugh Freeze has the Tigers 3-1, just like the Buffaloes, but there's a reason no one's talking about Auburn in as glowing of terms as they do Colorado. The Tigers have wins against UMass (1-4) and FCS Samford (1-3) while needing a fourth-quarter comeback to beat Cal (2-2). The Yellow Jackets (2-2) are even further behind.

Those schools likely regret passing on Sanders, who's already made a massive difference to Colorado's athletic department.

The University of Colorado recently ran a report and determined the ad value of media coverage since the football season started is worth more than $90 million.

That's for just THREE GAMES on a 5-year deal.

And once you add in ticket sales, merchandise, sponsorships, enrollment… pic.twitter.com/BelDORcRs2
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) September 22, 2023

Some have speculated that NFL teams will pursue Sanders for a head-coaching gig — with one NFL executive even telling the New York Post they would "definitely" want to bring in Sanders for an interview — despite his insistence that he has no interest in coaching on the professional level.

He first shut down the idea in June, saying, "I don't have any desire or ambition to coach in the NFL. I have a problem with men getting their checks and not doing their jobs. I would be too tough as a coach in the NFL because I still have those old-school attributes."

He reiterated his stance during an interview with Bleacher Report's Taylor Rooks after Colorado's 3-0 start.

While the NFL isn't a concern, other college football programs are a big threat to Colorado keeping Sanders long-term.

As jobs become available at Power Five programs, Sanders will jump to the head of the list. The only hang-up in his decision to move would be sons Shedeur and Shilo Sanders.

Both could declare for the NFL Draft following the season, but Deion has other plans. "You all ain't going nowhere," he told them about potentially moving on to the NFL next season, per the New York Post.

As long as they are at Colorado, there is no chance Sanders will leave for another program. When they move on, however, Sanders might be amenable to a change of scenery.

Despite Deion's protests, that could be as soon as next year. The Buffaloes need to enjoy this ride while it lasts because it's only a matter of time before bigger fish come calling for Sanders.

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