Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders expressed frustration and disappointment after his team's 20-10 loss to Arizona State on Saturday, a defeat that dropped Colorado to 3-6 overall and 1-5 in Big 12 play. The Buffaloes failed to record a first down until midway through the second quarter and have now lost 11 of their last 13 conference games.
Sanders, who is 19-26 overall and 10-21 in league play since taking over, addressed his job security with athletic director Fernando Lovo present. "I don't think about that, man. I'm not here for my job," Sanders said. "I'm here for these young men... I want these kids to graduate, to provoke change in their communities and their lives and their families. I ain't worried about me."
"This is not how it's supposed to be, and we could apologize a thousand times to the fanbase," Sanders added. "But unless we get it together, it's gonna be the same ol', same ol'. And that's pathetic because ... the fanbase deserves better."
Buyout Complicates Future
Colorado has not won a Big 12 road game in two years and must win three straight against league opponents — starting with nationally ranked Houston this weekend — to reach bowl eligibility. The financial situation adds complexity: CBS Sports reported a buyout north of $25 million if the university fires Sanders without cause. He signed a five-year, $54 million extension in March 2025 with an annual salary rising to $12 million by 2029. A termination would owe him 75% of his remaining base salary, a figure that decreases if the move is delayed until 2027.
CBS Sports analyst John Talty described the scenario as potentially "messy and weird," suggesting a compromise might allow both sides to walk away. Industry sources indicate that if Sanders wants to stay, Colorado may be unable to afford the buyout, possibly leading to his return in 2027.
