BREAKING NEWS: Colorado Football Reveals 3 Coaching Targets as Coach Deion Sanders Announces Resignation
Boulder, CO — January 4, 2025
In a stunning development that has rocked the college football world, Deion Sanders, the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, has announced his resignation after just two seasons at the helm. The news came via a press conference this afternoon, leaving fans and analysts alike in shock as Sanders explained that his decision was driven by personal and professional considerations.
“I came to Colorado with a vision, and I gave everything I had to elevate this program,” Sanders said, visibly emotional during the announcement. “However, after much reflection, I’ve realized that it’s time for me to move on to the next chapter of my life. It’s never an easy decision to walk away from something you’ve worked so hard for, but I believe it’s the right one.”
Sanders’ departure comes off the back of an extraordinary, albeit controversial, tenure with the Buffaloes. The former NFL legend turned head coach had a transformative impact on the team, leading them to their first bowl game appearance in years and gaining national attention for his electrifying coaching style and bold personality. However, his two years in Boulder have also been marked by tension surrounding his high-profile recruiting tactics, media presence, and public disputes with the university administration.
Despite the undeniable success in terms of on-field performance — including a significant improvement in the team’s win-loss record — many questions about Sanders’ long-term commitment to Colorado have persisted throughout the season.
As the news of Sanders’ resignation spreads, Colorado athletic director Rick George moved swiftly to address the situation, revealing that the university has already identified three leading candidates to replace the departing coach. George emphasized that the Buffaloes are committed to building on the momentum generated under Sanders’ leadership.
“We are fully dedicated to finding the right coach who can continue to elevate our football program,” George said in a statement. “We have a strong vision for the future, and we are confident that the following candidates will bring both leadership and excellence to our team.”
The three names now being widely discussed as top targets for the Colorado job are:
1. Matt Campbell – Iowa State Head Coach
Matt Campbell, the highly respected head coach of Iowa State, is widely seen as a prime candidate to take over the reins in Boulder. Known for his ability to turn around struggling programs, Campbell has enjoyed success at Iowa State, leading them to multiple bowl games and consistently competitive seasons in the Big 12. His calm demeanor and focus on building strong player relationships are seen as qualities that could stabilize the program after Sanders’ larger-than-life presence. Sources close to Campbell suggest that he is intrigued by the opportunity to coach in the Pac-12 and is evaluating his options carefully.
2. Lane Kiffin – Ole Miss Head Coach
Lane Kiffin, the head coach at Ole Miss, is another name being floated as a potential successor to Sanders. Kiffin has enjoyed significant success at both the collegiate and NFL levels, with a reputation for high-powered offenses and an ability to recruit elite talent. While his tenure in Oxford has been marked by competitive play and impressive wins, Kiffin has often been linked to rumors of leaving for a “bigger job.” With Colorado poised to be a prominent program in the Pac-12 after Sanders’ departure, Kiffin may see this as an opportunity to prove himself in a new conference and continue to build on his offensive legacy.
3. DeMarco Murray – Running Backs Coach, Arizona Cardinals
The third name that has emerged as a potential candidate is DeMarco Murray, the former NFL star and current running backs coach for the Arizona Cardinals. Murray, who spent time as an assistant coach at the collegiate level after his playing career, has been praised for his ability to develop talent and inspire players. His name has gained traction among Colorado boosters due to his familiarity with both the NFL and college football, as well as his leadership skills. Murray is a fresh face in the coaching ranks, and Colorado could be the perfect place for him to make his head coaching debut.
As the search for Sanders’ successor begins, one thing is clear: the future of Colorado football will continue to be closely scrutinized. Fans, players, and analysts are all eagerly awaiting the university’s next move in what promises to be a highly competitive coaching search.
In the meantime, Deion Sanders’ legacy in Boulder remains a topic of heated debate. His departure marks the end of an era for the Buffaloes, but his influence on the program and college football at large will be felt for years to come.
