Deion Sanders plans on being at Colorado longterm but his future could hinge on landing a QB like 5-star JuJu Lewis
Deion Sanders “plans” on being at Colorado past the 2024 season.
I’ve previously expressed my skepticism that Coach Prime was long for Boulder, but let’s take Sanders at his word.
In a wide-ranging interview with Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt (released Monday but recorded in April), Sanders sat down for the latest ‘Big Noon Conversation’ and reaffirmed his commitment to the program, saying, “I’m a leader of men, not a follower of men. I’m a father, not a baby daddy. I lead my sons, I don’t follow my sons. My sons, Travis included, are getting ready to migrate to the NFL.”
Colorado’s two-way star Travis Hunter, as well as quarterback Shedeur Sanders and safety Shilo Sanders are all expected to test the NFL waters after this season, but Deion Sanders was insistent he’s isn’t following them to the league.
“I’m a bonafide leader. Not a daddy, man. I’m a real father. I paved the way for my babies. They’re not paving the way for me. So, I plan on being here and being dominant, here,” he stated.
“They are establishing something that we’re gonna continue to build on for years to come. And I’m thankful they’re establishing what they’re establishing.”
So there you have it. Deion Sanders will be roaming the sidelines with Ralphie in 2025.
Well, maybe.
Again, take Coach Prime at his exact words, and it’s notable the specific verbiage he chose in speaking with Klatt, a former Buffs quarterback and confidant of Sanders.
He didn’t say he would be at Colorado after his sons head to the NFL. He said he plans on it.
And there’s a lot of wiggle room between those two words.
Could landing an elite quarterback determine Deion Sanders’ longterm future at Colorado?
Deion Sanders spoke like a coach who, despite previous evidence otherwise, is invigorated about the future. He candidly admitted he had a patience problem in Year 1 at Colorado, but believes the changes he’s made on the roster and staff will result in more Ws in Year 2.
“I needed a little more patience in certain areas,” he said.
“We got better, man. I think I’m better. I think the whole thing is better, and we’re not done.”
Colorado signed the nation’s No. 2 transfer portal class, per On3, completely overhauling their offensive and defensive lines. They also added playmakers like ex-Ohio State tailback Dallan Hayden and FAU wideout Lajohntay Wester.
While the Buffs have a preseason win-total of just 5.5, Klatt told Sanders he believes Colorado is capable of winning the Big 12 and competing or a playoff spot. That was music to Sanders’ ears, who believes the job is still his calling and he’s raring to lead Colorado now — and into the future.
“It’s on me, how long I want to do it, and my tank is full,” he said.
“My tank is full. I’m full. I’m behind F. I’m leaning behind F, I’m so full. And I love it.”
Those are all nice sentiments, but I wonder if Deion Sanders’ ultimate future with the program hinges on flipping a particular 5-star quarterback.
Could Julian Lewis‘ recruitment be the difference between “plans” on and “will” be coaching at Colorado after the 2024 season?
While Sanders has been criticized (by yours truly and others) for his total absence making in-home and high school visits, there’s no doubt Coach Prime knows how to put on a show when prospects come to Boulder.
Over the weekend, Colorado rolled out the red carpet for JuJu Lewis, the 2025 quarterback prospect currently committed to USC.
The Peach State native took an official visit to Colorado, and he posted a picture of Shedeur Sanders handing him a pair of keys with the captain, “Could it be perfect timing?”
It might be for Deion Sanders — that is if he can pull off the flip.
Part of the reason why so many believe Sanders could follow Shedeur & Co., out the door is because he has no heir apparent at quarterback.
He’s only coached a team with his son throwing the pill.
Landing an immediate bridge quarterback of Lewis’ caliber (ranked No. 10 nationally, No. 2 QB in the class) would be just the guy to hand “the keys” to, though.
Although Lewis is only 16 and reclassified from the 2026 crop, he’s a high-upside talent who would give Sanders something tangible to ride into the future. He could also serve as a pied piper of sorts for fellow high school recruits — particularly for a 2025 Buffalos class that currently has just four commits.
I don’t doubt Deion’s desire to continuing “paving” his own coaching legacy. He said it himself that he likes that next generation knows him as Coach Prime — and not Primetime the football player.
“I like that because a coach has this connotation man that he’s helping you get to where you need to go to and he’s like a live navigational system,” Sanders said.
I still question whether his GPS location will read Boulder, CO in 2025 if he doesn’t land Lewis — or a fellow quarterback of his ilk.