Deion Sanders' arrival at the University of Colorado has ignited both excitement and skepticism. While "Coach Prime" focuses on rebuilding the Buffaloes after a dismal 1-11 season, some view his approach with apprehension.
One anonymous Pac-12 assistant coach expressed doubts about Sanders' potential for success at Colorado, telling Athlon Sports that the program is in a "lose-lose" predicament. The coach questioned Sanders' ability to win at the FBS level with the current roster, suggesting that he would either achieve quick success and leave for another position, or struggle and ultimately be fired. This anonymous critique drew a sharp response from Sanders, who called it one of the "dumbest things" he's ever seen via an Instagram post.
The anonymous coach also cast doubt on Sanders' success at Jackson State, attributing it to the team's ability to recruit FBS-level talent and compete against FCS rosters. The coach argued that this advantage wouldn't translate to Colorado's more competitive landscape. Additionally, the coach questioned how Sanders would handle significant losses, something he hasn't faced extensively.
Sanders' methods, particularly his extensive use of the transfer portal to reshape the roster, have also drawn criticism. He has brought in the nation's top transfer class, leveraging an NCAA rule allowing first-year coaches to cut players while the university honors their scholarships. This approach has sparked debate, with some, like Pittsburgh head coach Pat Narduzzi, expressing concerns about the implications for college football and the affected players. Narduzzi criticized Sanders' roster overhaul, stating that the rule was not intended for such drastic changes and questioning whether the departing players truly desired to leave.
Sanders' first opportunity to showcase his revamped roster will be against the national championship runner-up TCU on September 2nd. This game will be a crucial test for Sanders and his new team, and the outcome will undoubtedly be heavily scrutinized by both supporters and critics.
