Sunday, August 2, 2026
Liz Munsterteiger
Head Coach
Sport
Football
On Staff Since
December 3, 2022
Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders was named Colorado’s 28th full-time head coach on Dec. 3, 2022, bringing one of the most recognizable names in sports to Boulder.
Sanders inherited a 1-11 program and guided the Buffaloes to four wins in his first season before engineering a 9-4 campaign in 2024. Colorado finished 7-2 in Big 12 play, tied for first in the conference standings and earned an Alamo Bowl appearance. His arrival also returned CU to the national spotlight, with the Buffaloes becoming one of college football’s most-watched programs.
Sanders has elevated Colorado’s recruiting profile, signing a five-star prospect in each of his first three classes. His early CU teams featured Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and record-setting quarterback Shedeur Sanders, whose No. 12 and No. 2 jerseys were retired following the 2024 season.
Before coming to Colorado, Sanders led Jackson State to a 27-6 record, consecutive SWAC championships and two Celebration Bowl appearances while becoming a prominent advocate for HBCU athletes and programs.
A two-time All-American at Florida State, Sanders starred in football, baseball and track in the Sunshine State. He later became the only athlete to play in both a Super Bowl and World Series. The Pro Football and College Football Hall of Famer won two Super Bowls, earned eight Pro Bowl selections and was named the NFL’s 1994 Defensive Player of the Year.
