For the first time in his coaching career, Deion Sanders is stepping into a new role—one that’s purely as a head coach and not as a father. This significant transition marks a fresh chapter for Coach Prime as he embarks on his journey with the Colorado Buffaloes.
Emotional First Team Meeting
In a heartfelt video shared by Well Off Media, Coach Sanders held his first team meeting for the upcoming season at Colorado. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, but there was a notable absence that made this moment particularly poignant. His sons, quarterback Shedeur Sanders and defensive back Shilo Sanders, were not part of the roster. This change, while emotional, is something Sanders embraces as he looks forward to leading a new group of athletes.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to be standing before you. It’s, uh – I can’t explain how happy and how thoughtful and thankful I am for this day. I’ve been praying about this day. I’ve been anticipating this day,” Sanders expressed during the meeting. His words resonated with the players, capturing the essence of the moment. “You’ve got to understand this is emotional for me. This is the first day I’ve been up here without two knuckleheads in here.”
A New Kind of Coaching
This shift in dynamic is significant for Sanders. “This is the first day I’m coaching without my boys, which is a pleasure and an honor for me,” he said, revealing his excitement about being able to focus solely on coaching. “So now I could just be a coach. I don’t have to be no dad and I like that and I love that.”
It’s a refreshing change for Sanders, who has spent years balancing the dual roles of father and coach. The prospect of dedicating himself entirely to his players is invigorating. He believes that this new focus will allow him to foster deeper connections with his team, treating them as if they were his own sons. “I feel like I’m going to treat somebody in here or a multitude of y’all in here like you were sons because I love y’all just that much,” he said. “You could’ve chosen anybody, but you chose us, and I feel like you chose me.”
Looking Ahead to the Future
The absence of his sons is just one part of the transformation taking place within the Buffaloes program. Shedeur Sanders has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, positioning himself as one of the top quarterback prospects. Meanwhile, Shilo Sanders has exhausted his collegiate eligibility after a six-season journey across three programs. Their departures are part of a larger turnover, as the team looks to rebuild after a successful 9-4 season that saw them contend for spots in the Big 12 Championship and the College Football Playoff.
Despite these changes, Coach Sanders remains optimistic about the future. He understands that building a new team takes time and effort, but he is ready to embrace the challenge. “It was actually so different for him that Sanders expected Shilo to be late or to miss the meeting,” he joked, reflecting on the lighter side of the situation. “I’m looking back. Shilo told me I was going to get mad at him for not being in the meeting today knowing he not supposed to be in the meeting today.”
Creating a Family Atmosphere
As he steps into this new role, Coach Sanders is committed to instilling a sense of family among his players. The bond he aims to create is not just about football; it’s about building a community where players feel valued and supported. “I love y’all just that much because you could’ve chosen anybody but you chose us,” he reiterated, emphasizing the importance of commitment and loyalty within the team.
This approach is not new for Sanders; he has always prioritized relationships and mentorship. However, without the distraction of his sons being on the team, he feels he can dedicate even more energy to nurturing the talents of his players. He is determined to create an environment where every athlete feels like they belong, fostering not just skill development but personal growth as well.
Embracing the Challenge Ahead
This upcoming season will be a test of Sanders’ coaching prowess. Transitioning from a father figure to a dedicated coach presents unique challenges, but it also offers opportunities for growth—both for him and his players. “This will be unfamiliar for Sanders as compared to his other seasons on sidelines in high school and college,” he noted, acknowledging the shift in his coaching journey.
Yet, the excitement is palpable. Coach Sanders is ready to dive into this new chapter with enthusiasm and passion. He’s eager to see what this season holds for the Buffaloes and how he can help mold the next generation of players. “Even so, he’s glad it’s happening as he begins work for his third season at CU,” he concluded, looking forward to the road ahead.
In the world of college football, change is constant, and adaptability is key. As Coach Sanders embarks on this new journey, one thing is clear: he is committed to making a lasting impact on his players and the Colorado Buffaloes program. The future looks bright, and the excitement is just beginning.
