Deion Sanders Takes Full Responsibility for Colorado's Struggles

Deion Sanders is taking full responsibility for the Colorado Buffaloes’ current struggles as the team nears its third losing season in four years, ESPN reported.

The head coach addressed the team's 3-6 record and 1-5 standing in the Big 12 while facing increased criticism. Sanders explicitly stated that the blame for the team’s performance rests solely with him.

“We’re just not getting it done. I’m just not getting it done,” Sanders said, before correcting his own phrasing to ensure the accountability remained personal. “Don’t say we. I’m sorry. Scratch that. I’m not getting it done all the way around. All the way around. Offensive and defensively, special teams — all the way around.”

The Buffaloes face a critical juncture this Friday night. They are scheduled to host No. 14 Houston, a team that enters the matchup as a 10½-point favorite. Colorado must win its remaining three games to maintain a chance at bowl eligibility.

The stakes for Sanders extend beyond the immediate win-loss column. Since the departure of quarterback Shedeur Sanders and 2024 Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter to the NFL, the program has gone 6-15. Sanders currently holds an overall record of 19-27 at Colorado.

Financial and contractual details highlight the magnitude of the program’s investment. Sanders earns a base salary of $10 million this year and is under contract through the 2029 season. His buyout is estimated at approximately $25.5 million.

The team’s offensive struggles have been a primary factor in the season’s downward trend. Colorado is currently averaging 19.8 points per game, which is the lowest in the conference. This follows the implementation of the “Go-Go” offense, a fast-paced scheme led by coordinator Brennan Marion.

Metric	Colorado Buffaloes Value
Current Record	3-6
Big 12 Record	1-5
Points Per Game	19.8
Sanders Overall Record	19-27

Despite the offensive slump, Sanders has not indicated any intention to change his coaching staff. When asked about the future of the play-caller, Sanders responded, “Is this Killing Brennan Day, today?”

The head coach maintains a focus on the immediate future rather than long-term structural changes. “We’re thinking about day-by-day, play-by-play, game-by-game,” Sanders said. “I’m not built like that. I’m a now guy. Let’s focus on now.”

Sanders dismissed concerns regarding his own job security following a recent 20-10 loss to Arizona State. He noted that his primary motivation is the welfare and future of his players rather than his professional standing.

“I’m not here for my job. I’m here for these young men,” Sanders said. “I want these kids to graduate, to provoke change in their communities, in their lives and their families. I ain’t worried about me. I’m good. I’m not worried about me.”

The players have expressed a similar commitment to the remaining schedule. Receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. noted that the team is maintaining a mindset of continuous improvement as they fight for a bowl game berth.

Sanders defended his coordinators and the effort of the roster, despite the results. “I think the coordinators are doing a phenomenal job, the best they can. I think the kids are fighting. They would not give up. They don’t have that gene in them, for the majority,” Sanders said.

As the team prepares for the matchup against Houston, the pressure remains on the Buffaloes to reverse a season defined by offensive inconsistency and a lack of momentum in conference play.

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