Charles Kelly proud to represent Colorado at Pac-12 Media Days on behalf of Deion Sanders

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders did not appear at Pac-12 Media Day due to foot surgery. Defensive coordinator Charles Kelly was happy to represent the Buffaloes in his place.

“I found out I guess, just a few days ago that he wouldn’t even be able to make it. They had to reschedule this, and he asked me if I would do it. I said I’d be honored to do it. We have a lot of people on our staff that are capable of being here.

“We have a great coaching staff, a great support team, not only just on-the-field coaches but everybody. We have an organization. I think the coaches put an incredible group together. It’s been good to be here,” Kelly said.

Kelly is happy to replace Sanders, but some fans are undoubtedly disappointed. After the Pac-12 failed to secure a television deal this week, many looked forward to “Coach Prime” and his antics. Nonetheless, fans will have to wait.

As stated previously, Sanders missed the event due to foot surgery. The 55-year-old head coach underwent two surgeries on Thursday and was not well enough to participate in the event on Friday. Sanders apologized for his absence.

“I apologize that I am not going to be at the Pac-12 Media Day,” Sanders said via ESPN. “I have to have another surgery tomorrow. A couple surgeries. One in my leg to remove the clots… I’m really dislocated on the bottom.

“God got me,” Sanders said. “Thank you for your prayers, thank you for your wishes. Thank you for everything. Let me tell you this. This is how the devil works. He thinks if he stops my mobility, he can stop my ability. He can’t do that. You can stop my mobility but that don’t stop my ability. My ability is God given. You cannot touch that. You can delay that but you cannot deny that.”

Luckily for Sanders, he had a fellow coach he could trust. Kelly did his best to convey Sanders’ attitude.

“I have a ton of respect for the coaches in this conference, and what they’ve accomplished, and I’ve got a ton of respect for the players that are here. It’s a big challenge for us. I’m proud of our players, what our guys have done since they’ve been here,” Kelly said. “We just want to represent the University of Colorado. We want to represent our fans, represent our administration and the whole [Buffaloes] nation.”