After a whirlwind round of coaching carousel rumors, Colorado officially introduced Deion Sanders as its new football coach on Sunday, bringing in the Pro Football Hall of Famer after a successful three-year stint at Jackson State. Sanders flashed his famous charisma and passion as he offered his vision for the future of the Buffaloes program, but it was athletic director Rick George who perhaps turned the most heads with his description of how the school has the money to pay Sanders’ top-flight salary—or, maybe more accurately, how it doesn’t.
“We don’t have the money yet,” George said. “But I know we’ll have it, so I’m not worried about that piece … this is the time for us to put all the chips in the center. And it’s time for us to make a significant commitment to athletics and this football program.”
Sanders’ deal with Colorado is worth $29.5 million over five years, per Brian Howell of BuffZone, an average of $5.9 million per year—up from the $3.6 million per year the school had paid Karl Dorrell, who was fired this season. Sanders will make $5.5 million in his first season, with a $200,000 raise per year.
The Buffaloes finished the 2022 season 1-11, and have finished with a winning record just twice in the past 17 years. Sanders led Jackson State to a 23-2 record over the past two seasons, with back-to-back SWAC championships.
