Tag: Deion Sanders

Nov 1, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive coordinator Warren Sapp before the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Hall of Famer Warren Sapp won’t return to Colorado

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Warren Sapp is leaving his post on fellow Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders’ coaching staff at Colorado, the university announced.

Sapp has spent the past two seasons with the Buffaloes, most recently as a pass rush coordinator.

“Warren Sapp has resigned from the CU football coaching staff to pursue other opportunities,” the university said in a statement. “CU Athletics thanks Warren for his contributions to our football program over the last two seasons and for his commitment to our student-athletes.”

Sapp, 53, is the second member of the coaching staff to depart from the school this week. Defensive coordinator Robert Livingston accepted an NFL position with the Broncos, with ESPN reporting that he’ll serve as Denver’s defensive passing game coordinator and primary defensive backs coach.

ESPN reported linebackers coach Chris Marve will replace Livingston as the Buffaloes’ defensive coordinator.

–Field Level Media

Deion Sanders insists Colorado has ‘right man’ despite losing season

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The Colorado football team is headed for its second losing record in three years under Deion Sanders, but Coach Prime isn’t about to concede defeat in the big picture.

Addressing questions about his job security, Sanders said Tuesday, “You’ve got the right man. I promise you, you do. And I’m going to prove that to you. Just give me an opportunity and a little more time, and I’m going to prove that to you.”

A 29-22 loss at West Virginia on Nov. 8 left the Buffaloes with a 3-7 record, 1-6 in Big 12 Conference play. Colorado, with two games remaining, no longer has a shot at a .500 campaign.

The Buffaloes went 4-8 in 2023 during Sanders’ first year on the job, finishing last in the Big 12 at 1-8. Last year, they improved to 9-4 overall, 7-2 in the conference, behind Heisman Trophy-winning two-way player Travis Hunter and star quarterback Shedeur Sanders, son of the head coach.

That led to Deion Sanders signing a five-year, $54 million extension early this year. However, with Hunter and Shedeur Sanders gone this fall to the NFL, the Buffaloes have regressed.

In addition, Deion Sanders has dealt with health problems in 2025, most notably cancer that led to the removal of his bladder.

Colorado athletic director Rick George will be leaving his post next spring, but he tweeted on Tuesday about Deion Sanders’ job: “The seat is not hot. We believe in what is ahead for this program.”

–Field Level Media

Report: Colorado demotes offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur

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Colorado coach Deion Sanders demoted offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur following last month’s lopsided setback to Utah, USA Today reported Wednesday.

Shurmur, a two-time former NFL head coach, was tabbed as Sanders’ offensive coordinator eight games into the 2023 season. Now, he reportedly serves as the quarterbacks coach for the Buffaloes (3-6, 1-5 Big 12), who dropped a 53-7 decision to the Utes on Oct. 25.

Tight ends coach and passing game coordinator Brett Bartolone called the plays last weekend in Colorado’s 52-17 loss to Arizona.

When asked Tuesday if he’d consider making changes to jumpstart his offense, Sanders had a quick response.

“I might have already changed it, and you don’t know,” he said. “I don’t do stuff and blow the whistles and make major announcements.”

The Buffaloes are struggling to adjust to the departures of quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way star Travis Hunter to the NFL.

Colorado will visit West Virginia (3-6, 1-5) on Saturday afternoon in Morgantown, W.Va.

Shurmur, 60, was 19-46 as a head coach for the Cleveland Browns (9-23 in 2011-12), Philadelphia Eagles (1-0 in 2015) and New York Giants (9-23 in 2018-19). He also was an offensive coordinator for the then-St. Louis Rams (2009-10), Eagles (2013-15), Minnesota Vikings (2016-17) and Denver Broncos (2020-21).

–Field Level Media

Oct 4, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders on the sidelines during the first half against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Deion Sanders says he believes blood clots have returned

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Colorado coach Deion Sanders was in pain during his team’s loss at TCU on Saturday, and he said he fears blood clots in his left leg have returned.

He had to remove his left shoe for most of the fourth quarter of the 35-21 loss in Fort Worth, Texas, and also sat on a stool at times to get off his feet.

“I think I’ve got more blood clots. It doesn’t make sense. I’m hurting like crazy,” Sanders, 58, said after the game. “I’m not getting blood to my leg. That’s why my leg is throbbing.”

He said he has an appointment with his physician scheduled for Monday.

Health problems have plagued the Pro Football Hall of Fame member for much of this decade.

In 2021, he had two toes on his left foot amputated. Two years later, he had a blood clot in his right leg removed. In April, he learned he had bladder cancer and was away from Colorado recuperating at his ranch in Texas for much of the spring and summer. Doctors removed his bladder and rerouted a section of his intestine to serve as a bladder.

The Buffaloes are 2-4 (0-3 Big 12) halfway through the season.

–Field Level Media

Who’s the Colorado QB? Deion Sanders not telling

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Colorado coach Deion Sanders might spin the quarterback carousel once more Saturday when the Buffaloes square off with Wyoming.

But Sanders isn’t telling outsiders who Colorado will deploy following a 36-20 loss to Houston last week that dropped the team to 1-2 this season. Ryan Staub made his second consecutive start in that game, but the results left something to be desired.

“I don’t think we’re in a car just running aimlessly the wrong way,” Sanders said Tuesday. “I don’t feel that way. I feel like we could be better, and we are better. We just had a hiccup there and a hiccup there that has disarmed us in its totality. And it’s no excuse for what transpired last week. No excuse for that.”

Shedeur Sanders was the team’s starter last season before entering the NFL draft along with Heisman Trophy-winning receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter.

Kaidon Salter, a transfer from Liberty, started the season-opening loss to Georgia Tech.

After Salter opened the game, Sanders rotated Colorado’s top three quarterbacks for consecutive series in a 31-7 win against Delaware on Sept. 6.

Freshman JuJu Lewis is also in the running to get more playing time.

“I think we have the young men,” Sanders said. “I don’t think, I know, we have the young men inside that locker room and the coaching staff to get it together.”

–Field Level Media

Former NFL coach Jon Gruden have a laugh while attending an NFL training camp session at the Miller Electric Center, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Chucky’s Return? UCLA’s candidate list topped by marquee names

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UCLA got a very early jump on the coaching cycle by parting ways with DeShaun Foster just three games into its season, and a pair of names fit for Hollywood have quickly emerged as the favorites to take over the Bruins program.

Jon Gruden, who has not coached since resigning from the Oakland Raiders amid controversy in the middle of the 2021 season, has been installed as the +400 favorite by one sportsbook. A Super Bowl winning coach who has spent 15 years as an NFL head coach, Gruden cut his teeth in the coaching ranks as a graduate assistant and positional coach in the late 1980s.

Still only 62 years old, Gruden most recently spent the 2023 season as a consultant with the New Orleans Saints.

What Gruden lacks is a familiarity of the current Name, Image and Likeness era of college football. That is an area in which Colorado coach Deion Sanders has significant experience, and he currently owns the second shortest odds to take over at UCLA at +500.

Sanders, 58, is in his third season with the Buffaloes. However, it has gotten off to a rocky start with Colorado 1-2 and their lone win to date coming against Delaware.

Sanders has often stated his commitment to the Buffaloes, but acknowledged discussing the Dallas Cowboys opening with owner Jerry Jones over the offseason. He also has dealt with health issues, most recently revealing that he had his bladder removed as part of his battle with bladder cancer.

Both high-profile names would provide an instant jolt of energy to a UCLA program that has been outscored 108-43 during its 0-3 start and has fallen well behind cross-town rival Southern Cal in the recruiting wars since joining the Big Ten.

If the Bruins decide to pursue one of the hottest young names in the college football ranks, Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham can expect to have his phone ring. The 35-year-old is coming off taking the Sun Devils to the College Football Playoff in just his second season.

Having spent a year under Dan Lanning at Oregon following two years at Florida State and one at Auburn, Dillingham has a vast amount of recruiting experience across the country despite his age. Dillingham has been installed with the third shortest odds at +600.

UCLA NEXT HEAD COACH ODDS*
Jon Gruden (+400)
Deion Sanders (+500)
Kenny Dillingham (+600)
Justin Wilcox (+800)
Tommy Rees (+1000)
Dave Aranda (+1200)
Jimbo Fisher (+1200)
Jon Sumrall (+1400)
Ryan Silverfield (+1600)
Alex Golesh (+1800)
Curt Cignetti (+1800)
Brent Key (+2000)
Tony White (+2000)
D’Anton Lynn (+2200)
Jeff Brohm (+2500)
Lane Kiffin (+2500)
Kalani Sitake (+2800)
Dave Doeren (+3300)
G.J. Kinne (+3300)
Matt Campbell (+3800)
Willie Fritz (+3800)
Brian Newberry (+4000)
Kyle Whittingham (+4000)
Dabo Swinney (+4500)
Dan Lanning (+4500)
Marcus Freeman (+5000)
Ryan Day (+5000)
Nick Saban (+6600)
Urban Meyer (+6600)
Pete Carroll (+7500)
Troy Aikman (+8000)
Rick Neuheisel (+10000)
*BetOnline.ag is not a regulated sportsbook. Odds provided for entertainment purposes only.

FOSTERING IN A NEW ERA
Foster, 45, was named the 19th head coach in the program’s history on Feb. 12, 2024. He replaced Chip Kelly, who departed to become the offensive coordinator at Ohio State.

Signed to a five-year, $15 million deal with UCLA in February 2024, Foster guided the Bruins to a 5-7 record (3-6 in the Big Ten) last season. He was the team’s running backs coach from 2017-23 and also played collegiately at UCLA.

Foster was set to leave the Bruins’ program after the 2023 season and become the running backs coach for the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders but returned when he was offered the head coach position.

“Serving as the head coach at UCLA, my beloved alma mater, has been the honor of a lifetime,” Foster said in a statement. “While I am deeply disappointed that we were unable to achieve the success that our players, fans, and university deserve, I am grateful for the opportunity to have led this program.”

Bruins athletic director Martin Jarmond issued the following statement:

“I want to extend my sincere appreciation to DeShaun for his contributions to UCLA Football over the course of many years, first as a Hall of Fame student-athlete, then as an assistant coach and finally as head coach,” Jarmond said. “He was named to this role at a challenging time of year, on the cusp of a move to a new conference, and he embraced it, putting his heart into moving the program forward. His legacy and love for this university are firmly established.”

Foster played at UCLA from 1998-2001, rushing for 3,194 yards and 44 touchdowns and earning second-team All-American honors as a senior.

Drafted in the second round by Carolina in 2002, he rushed for 3,570 yards and 11 touchdowns in 79 games (42 starts) with the Panthers (2003-07) and San Francisco 49ers (2008).

–Field Level Media

Apr 19, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Kaidon Salter (3) during the spring game at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Colorado names Kaidon Salter starting QB

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Colorado named its replacement for departed quarterback Shedeur Sanders, with Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter set to take over under center for the Buffaloes.

Salter passed for 1,886 yards and 15 touchdowns, six interceptions in 11 games during his fourth season at Liberty last year. He also rushed for 579 yards and seven more TDs.

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders used his son Shedeur at quarterback in 24 of the 25 games since he arrived to lead the Buffaloes program. Shedeur Sanders, who was a fifth-round draft pick for the Cleveland Browns, completed 74.0 percent of his passes last season for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns with 10 interceptions.

Salter’s best season at Liberty came in 2023 when he completed 61.0 percent of his passes for 2,876 yards, 32 touchdowns and six interceptions. He guided the Flames to a 13-1 record that season with a spot in the Fiesta Bowl where they lost 45-6 to Oregon.

“Kaidon is off the chain,” Deion Sanders said at Big 12 media day. “He’s been there, done that. He can get the job done. I wouldn’t have brought him here if I didn’t trust him.”

Colorado begins its 2025 season against Georgia Tech at home on Friday.

–Field Level Media

Oct 28, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders reacts against the UCLA Bruins in the first half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Deion Sanders reveals cancer scare, bladder removal this offseason

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Colorado head coach Deion Sanders said Monday that a cancerous tumor was discovered on his bladder this offseason but he is now cancer free after his bladder was removed.

Sanders, 57, announced the update in his return to campus at Boulder, Colo., along with his medical team.

“I’m thankful,” Sanders said. “It has been a tremendous journey. It’s been tough. I think I dropped 25 pounds. … Just dealing with a catheter, dealing with all of the stuff I had to deal with. Right now, I’m still dealing with going to the bathroom. It’s a whole life change.”

In reminding people of all ethnicities to seek medical attention in a time of need, Sanders said, “Get checked out because it could have been a whole other gathering if I hadn’t.”

Dr. Janet Kukreja said the cancer was considered high risk since the tumor was starting to affect a muscle near the bladder. During surgery, Sanders’ bladder was removed with the “creation of a new bladder,” according to Kukreja.

“I am pleased to report that the results of the surgery is that he’s cured of the cancer,” Kukreja said.

Said Sanders: “You can clap. It’s OK.”

Wearing denim overalls and a cowboy hat, Sanders was upbeat throughout Monday’s press conference.

“I’ve built myself up to where I’m able, I’m strong, I’m ready,” Sanders said. “I’m still probably about 12 pounds down but I’m going to get that right. I’m going to fill these overalls up like no other. But it has been a tremendous journey.”

The bladder tumor was ultimately discovered through Sanders’ yearly body scan that, among other things, searches for issues associated to previous unrelated blood clots that caused two toes to be amputated in 2021.

Sanders admitted he was going through medical challenges after the Buffaloes’ season ended but had not given details of his health issue until Monday.

Last week, in a social media video posted by his son, Deion Sanders Jr., the coach said, “You know I’m still going through something. I ain’t all the way recovered.” The video showed him stepping into an ice bath, walking, shooting hoops and attending a tennis lesson.

The former NFL star has been giving consideration to his own mortality since the spring.

“Yesterday was tough because I had to make a will,” Sanders said in a video that was shot in May but not released until Sunday. “That’s not easy at all to think you may not be here.”

However, when asked at the press conference what it was like to stare death in the face, Sanders continued to be upbeat.

“I didn’t stare death in my face, I stared life in the face,” he responded. “I’m allowed to go through these trials and tribulations so that I can touch and reach and bless people with my words, with the energy with that thing that God gave me. So I never thought about no death. I got to make a will because I want to be a business, I want to be a good steward for my kids and for my family. But no, I got too much life to be thinking about death … And I got work to do. We got win the third championship.”

In his first two seasons at Colorado, Sanders’ teams have gone a combined 13-12, including 9-4 last season when the Buffaloes played in the Alamo Bowl. The team’s 2025 season starts Aug. 29 at home against Georgia Tech.

–Field Level Media

Jul 9, 2025; Frisco, TX, USA; Colorado head coach Deion Sanders speaks with the media during 2025 Big 12 Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Deion Sanders’ medical team to address Monday news conference

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Colorado coach Deion Sanders will be joined by his personal medical team on Monday when he holds his first news conference since returning to campus amid ongoing health issues.

According to an advisory from Colorado Athletics, Sanders will “provide team and general updates” at the 1 p.m. ET session and will be accompanied by his medical providers. Also present will be representatives from CU Anschutz, the university’s medical campus, and UCHealth, the academic wing of the medical center.

Sanders, entering the third year of his tenure with the Buffaloes, returned to the Colorado campus in Boulder this week for the first time since April. He had been at his Texas estate for most of the spring and summer as he dealt with ongoing undisclosed health issues.

On Friday he wrote “Back and Feeling Great!” on X.

Earlier in the week, in a social media video posted by his son, Deion Sanders Jr., the coach said, “You know I’m still going through something. I ain’t all the way recovered.” The video showed him stepping into an ice bath, walking, shooting hoops and attending a tennis lesson.

The only recent appearance by Sanders related to Colorado was at Big 12 preseason media days two weeks ago, when he declined to give details about his condition, insisting he felt “good.”

A member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Sanders required multiple surgeries for persistent blood clots in recent years. He had two toes amputated in 2021 to address clotting issues, but it is unclear whether that is related to his current health status.

He turns 58 on Aug. 9.

Despite being physically away from the team, Sanders and others at Colorado insist he has been communicating regularly with players, coaches and others at the university, according to multiple reports. Colorado athletic director Rick George said earlier this month the two are in constant contact, per The Athletic.

The Buffaloes open the season at home on Aug. 29 against Georgia Tech.

–Field Level Media

Jul 9, 2025; Frisco, TX, USA; Colorado head coach Deion Sanders speaks with the media during 2025 Big 12 Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Deion Sanders declines to discuss health at Big 12 Media Days

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Colorado coach Deion Sanders, speaking to reporters at Big 12 Media Day in Frisco, Texas, on Wednesday, declined to discuss details of an undisclosed medical condition that has limited his activity with the program.

“I’m not here to talk about my health, I’m here to talk about my team,” Sanders said when pressed by a reporter to address his recent health challenges. “I’m looking good. I’m living lovely. God has truly blessed me. Not a care in the world. Not a want or desire in the world. … I look good. I’m feeling good.”

Neither Sanders nor Colorado officials have given specifics about the nature of the health issue the coach is facing. He has been away from Boulder, Colo., missing annual youth camps he normally would have attended.

When repeatedly asked about his health, Sanders insisted he feels “good” and turned the focus to his team.

“I never waver. I never say why me, regardless of what’s ahead of me or what I see. … I’m truly thankful,” Sanders said of what motivates him. “Truly a go-getter. I want to win at all costs. I want to win the right way. I want to set the right standards. And I want to prepare these young men for life not just for football, I want them to be professional.”

Sanders also shared his love for his fellow Big 12 coaches who he said have been supportive.

“The coaches of the Big 12 are incredible. I love them. They’ve been calling, checking on me, making sure I’m straight,” Sanders said. “But you talk about knowing football, teaching football, communicating with their kids, none of this stupid animosity or jealousy. I love the coaches of the Big 12. I want to beat them all, but love them. I truly do.”

Recent social media posts showed visits to Sanders’ estate in Texas by former NFL cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones and the rapper Lil Wayne. Sanders was seen in an Instagram video walking, a bit gingerly, with the rapper. However, he appeared to be walking normally onstage at Wednesday’s press conference.

Sanders had previously addressed his health in a social media post on June 11.

“I can assure you all that everything is OK and will continue to be so,” he posted to X. “… I’m excited to get back to Colorado to be at home with my staff, team & all associated to our program. When we arrive back to Boulder you will be updated on everything.”

A member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Sanders required multiple surgeries for persistent blood clots in recent years. He had two toes amputated in 2021 to address clotting issues, but it is unclear whether that is related to his current health status.

The Buffaloes open the season at home on Aug. 29 against Georgia Tech.

–Field Level Media