Creator: Helen H. Richardson | Credit: Denver Post via Getty Images

When Deion Sanders left JSU to coach Colorado, you would have thought the sky split. Between predictions for the Buffaloes to make the CFB playoff, to Deion replacing Nick Saban as the best coach in the nation, you could say the move was over-hyped.

Despite knocking off No. 17 TCU at the start of the season, reality soon hit as the team from Boulder finished with a 4-8 record.

College Football Hall of Fame Coach Barry Switzer spoke on OutKick’s “Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich”. The Oklahoma and Dallas Cowboys Coach said this:

“Deion is going to go what fits Deion.” He said. “I don’t say he is tied to Colorado; he is going to try and establish himself there, but Deion is going to go what fits Deion, and I understand.”

With his sons Shedeur and Shiloh off to the NFL Draft next season, it’s highly likely that Sanders could follow, despite previously refuting these claims.

Deion has been one of the most hyped coaches in recent memory, drawing back comparisons from when Saban left LSU for Alabama. When the former Tigers Coach arrived, he built a dynasty. Whether or not the Buffs will follow suit remains to be seen.

Deion’s Future

I personally believe that Coach Prime will stay coaching the Buffs as long as it benefits him, not the program. I’ve long criticized the former NFL star, not for his outspokenness, but for his ‘blissful’ ignorance as to how much of a failure his first season in Boulder was. He utilized the portal to no avail, going as far as to persuade players to leave. Sanders first season could provide as a learning experience or have the same struggles he had his first season.

If Sanders truly wishes to build a power in the new Big 12, he must find a way to not only maximize his recruits NIL earnings, but their ability to compete at the highest pinnacle of college football. His style worked at a smaller program like Jacksonville State, will he make the adjustments needed for the Buffaloes to make a step in the right direction in 2024.