Il Nuovo Postiglione - Deion Sanders Accepts Full Responsibility for Colorado’s Struggles

BOULDER, Colo. — Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders has assumed full responsibility for the team’s ongoing struggles, stating that the blame for their poor performance stops with him. With the program on the verge of its third losing season in four years under his leadership, Sanders emphasized that he is not concerned about his job security but remains focused on the players' development.

The Buffaloes (3-6, 1-5 Big 12) are currently struggling and must win their remaining three games to secure a chance at bowl eligibility. Their next challenge comes Friday night when they host No. 14 Houston (7-2, 4-2), with the Cougars favored by 10 1/2 points.

Sanders, who is earning a base salary of $10 million this season and is under contract through 2029, has seen his team’s record decline significantly since the departure of key players. Since his son, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, and 2024 Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter left for the NFL, Colorado has posted a 6-15 record. Overall, Sanders’ tenure at Colorado stands at 19-27.

“I don’t flinch,” Sanders said regarding how he handles the losses. “They know who I am and my expectations all the way across the board. This is not common to me. I don’t like it. I don’t enjoy it one bit. This is not indicative of who we think we are.”

Despite the team’s difficulties, Sanders praised his staff and players. “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,” he said.

The heat on Sanders intensified following a 20-10 loss at Arizona State on Saturday night. When his job status was raised after the game, Sanders insisted he was not dwelling on it. “I’m not here for my job. I’m here for these young men,” he said. “I want these kids to graduate, to provoke change in their communities, in their lives and their families. I ain’t not worried about me. I’m good. I’m not worried about me.”

One of the primary issues this season has been the offense, which is averaging a conference-low 19.8 points per game in coordinator Brennan Marion’s fast-paced “Go-Go” scheme. When asked if there were thoughts of replacing Marion, Sanders responded with skepticism: “Is this Killing Brennan Day, today?”

Sanders dismissed any notion that an offseason might be needed to fix the offensive issues, which have seen quarterbacks Julian “JuJu” Lewis and Isaac Wilson at the helm. “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.”

Receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. echoed the need for immediate improvement. “We’re still trying to fight for a chance to get in the bowl game,” Moore said. “We just have to come in with the mindset of continuing to get better.”

During his weekly news conference, Sanders was seen sweating after participating in practice as part of the scout team, playing a bit of safety. He joked about his performance: “I think I had nine tackles, three assists, couple of pass breakups. I have fun doing it, and I’m getting my cardio in as well.”

Colorado linebacker Gideon Lampron won his second straight Big 12 defensive player of the week award after recording 18 tackles and two sacks at Arizona State. Sanders noted, “Gideon plays hard every day in practice, and he takes it right over into the game.”

The defense has been allowing an average of 28.3 points per game, contributing to the team’s overall challenges as they attempt to salvage their season.

S.Urgo--INP