
Deion Sanders, Head Coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, recently made his first public appearance in months at Big 12 Media Days in Frisco, Texas. Sanders had been recovering from an undisclosed medical situation at his ranch in Texas. As he embarks on the 2025 season, a significant change marks this chapter: for the first time in his collegiate coaching career, neither of his sons, Shedeur and Shilo, will be on the roster.
A New Dynamic: Coach Sanders Without His Sons
Shedeur Sanders, a former standout quarterback for the Buffaloes, was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Shilo Sanders, who played defensive back under his father at both Colorado and Jackson State, is now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after going undrafted.
This new dynamic presents a unique opportunity for Deion Sanders to focus solely on his coaching role. "It’s easier for me, man, because I don’t have to be two things. I don’t have to be a father and the coach. Now I can just be the coach," Sanders said during the Big 12 Media Days.
He elaborated on the challenges of balancing his roles as a father and a coach, explaining that he no longer needs to divide his attention between ensuring his sons are performing their jobs and managing the team as a whole. "And I don’t have to look and make sure I’m dad and he’s doing his job, and I’m a dad and he’s doing his job on the defensive side. Now I can just focus on these young men."
Sanders expressed his affection for his players, stating, "I love so many of them like they are my sons, I truly do, and some of them act like they’re my sons, but I don’t have any biological sons on the team right now. But I’m proud of them, and I love the challenge. I do."
Sanders Believes He Has a Better Overall Team
Despite the departure of key players like Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, Coach Sanders is optimistic about the upcoming season. He acknowledged the challenge of replacing such impactful players but expressed confidence in the overall strength of the team.
"They were great players; we have a better team," Sanders stated. "There’s a difference between great players and a great team. We have a better team, but we can never replace those type of players."
Travis Hunter, a Heisman Trophy winner and a standout two-way player, was selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. During his time at Colorado, Hunter excelled on both offense and defense. He led the team with 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns. Defensively, he recorded 36 tackles, four interceptions, 11 passes defended, and a forced fumble. His significant snap count of 2,625 snaps over two seasons led the FBS.
Shedeur Sanders also made a considerable impact, leading the nation with a 74% completion rate and topping the Big 12 with 4,134 passing yards and 37 touchdowns.
Colorado has added new talent to fill these voids. Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter and four-star freshman Julian Lewis have joined the quarterback room, with one expected to eventually succeed Shedeur.
Sanders believes that the collective improvement of the team will compensate for the loss of individual stars. "It may take three players on offense to replace a Travis Hunter," Sanders explained. "It may take two players to replace a Shedeur Sanders, and that’s what we brought here. We feel like we have a better defense for sure. A better offense, more understanding of the schemes collectively offensively and defensively because each coach, they’re in their second year in the schemes now."
Looking Ahead: A Focus on Team Development
With the 2025 season approaching, Deion Sanders is focused on developing a cohesive and well-rounded team. He is confident that the players and coaching staff's increased understanding of the offensive and defensive schemes will contribute to a successful season. The absence of his sons on the roster allows him to dedicate his full attention to coaching and mentoring the entire team. While the individual brilliance of players like Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter will be missed, Coach Sanders believes that the improved depth and understanding within the team will ultimately lead to a stronger and more competitive Colorado Buffaloes program.
Post a Comment for "Coach Prime Unfiltered: No Kids, No Holds Barred"