Deion Sanders gives heartfelt reaction to coaching Colorado’s next chapter without his stars

Deion Sanders recently wrapped up his second season as head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, and his tenure in Boulder has been nothing short of a spectacle. From his high-profile arrival from Jackson State to his magnetic personality, Coach Prime has turned Colorado football into must-see entertainment.

Much of Colorado's resurgence under Sanders can also be attributed to who he brought along: his sons, quarterback Shedeur Sanders and safety Shilo Sanders, as well as Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, a player Sanders often referred to as his “other son.” Together, they formed the backbone of the Buffaloes' success over the past two seasons.

Now, all three are heading to the 2025 NFL Draft, with Shedeur and Hunter widely projected as first-round picks. Their departure marks a new chapter for the Buffaloes, and Sanders himself acknowledged the emotional transition during what was described as the first team meeting for Colorado’s 2025 season.

“I can’t explain how happy and how thoughtful I am for this day,” Sanders told his team. “I’ve been praying about this day. I’ve been anticipating this day... You gotta understand, it’s an emotional day for me. This is the first day I’m coaching without my boys—which is a pleasure and an honor for me. So, now I can just be a coach—I don’t have to be no daddy. And I like that and I love that.”

Sanders has been coaching his sons since 2017, starting when he became the offensive coordinator at Trinity Christian Cedar Hill. His role as both father and coach has defined much of his career, making this transition particularly poignant.

For Colorado fans, Sanders’ presence at the team meeting reassured them about the program's direction. Despite rumors of “strong interest” in the Las Vegas Raiders’ head coaching vacancy, later reports from The Athletic said the organization was not pursuing Sanders.

As the Buffaloes prepare for a new era without their star trio, Sanders appears firmly at the helm, ready to lead Colorado into its next chapter.