Deion Sanders’ highly anticipated tenure as the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes seems to be losing steam, and it’s not just fans who are voicing concerns. As the Buffaloes struggle early in the season, some NFL executives have begun to question Sanders‘ coaching ability, with some suggesting his methods may not be suited for long-term success.
The Buffaloes suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Nebraska, leaving many wondering if the hype surrounding Sanders’ arrival at Colorado was premature. The game, a lopsided 28-0 at halftime, exposed several glaring issues for the team, including a lackluster offense and a defense that seemed incapable of keeping pace. Once brimming with optimism, the future of Sanders’ program is suddenly looking uncertain.
While college football fans are debating the team’s performance, the criticisms now extend far beyond the stands. Several high-ranking NFL executives have begun to publicly question Sanders’ approach, which they believe may be more focused on self-promotion than solid coaching fundamentals.
NFL executives begin to speak out
When Sanders took the reins at Colorado, expectations were sky-high. The former NFL superstar and Hall of Famer brought star power and attention to a struggling program. It didn’t take long for whispers of Sanders possibly making the jump to the NFL to circulate. But now, after a series of disappointing outcomes, opinions seem to have shifted dramatically.
One anonymous NFL executive, speaking to The Athletic, offered a harsh critique: “Now, he looks like a guy who lacks detail, his hard-edged style is running people out of there, and he is just really promoting his son.”
This criticism reflects a growing sentiment that Sanders’ coaching strategy may be overly focused on personal brand-building, particularly when it comes to promoting his son, Shedeur Sanders, who is the team’s quarterback. The same executive noted that Sanders’ brash, hard-nosed style, while popular in the media, might not translate well to winning football games.
But the concerns don’t end there.
A second NFL executive echoed these sentiments, suggesting that while Sanders is effective at motivating players and generating media buzz, his teams lack the critical fundamentals needed to succeed at the highest levels.
“There is nothing wrong with what we said last year, that he tells the truth and connects with players. But there’s a lot more that goes into it than connecting with the players and telling the truth to the media about the state of college athletics. A lot more goes into winning, like blocking and tackling and protecting the passer,” the executive told The Athletic.
This statement reveals deeper concerns about Sanders’ grasp on football’s tactical elements, raising doubts about his ability to guide Colorado to long-term success, let alone take his talents to the NFL.
While Colorado’s on-field struggles have been concerning, the off-field distractions haven’t helped either. A bizarre controversy surrounding the Buffaloes surfaced this week, with reports suggesting Sanders may have prohibited the school’s band from playing the traditional fight song after touchdowns, instead favoring his son Shedeur’s rap music. Though the school denied the rumors, they did admit that parts of Shedeur’s music would be played during games, adding fuel to the fire of those accusing Sanders of being more focused on personal branding than coaching.
With the team stumbling and these distractions piling up, many are questioning whether Sanders can turn things around before it’s too late. After all, NFL executives don’t usually hold back when they see a coach they believe isn’t up to the task.
With all the criticism swirling around Sanders, the upcoming game against Colorado State will be crucial. After a rough start to the season, the Buffaloes desperately need a win to restore some confidence in their program. If Sanders can’t quiet the doubters soon, the noise surrounding his coaching abilities will only grow louder.
For now, it’s clear that Sanders’ coaching journey is under intense scrutiny from the highest levels of football, and his next steps will be crucial in determining whether his tenure at Colorado will be remembered as a groundbreaking success-or a cautionary tale.
