Deion Sanders explains decision to reject NFL offers and build Hall of Fame coaching at Colorado staff

Despite interest from multiple NFL teams, Deion Sanders has reaffirmed his commitment to Colorado, opting to build on his success in Boulder rather than make the jump to the professional ranks. With his two biggest stars—Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter—heading to the NFL, Sanders is reshaping his staff and strategy for the 2025 season.

Why Sanders Passed on the NFL

The Dallas Cowboys and Las Vegas Raiders were both reportedly interested in hiring Sanders. However, he made it clear that he would only consider an NFL job if it allowed him to continue coaching his sons, Shedeur and Shilo Sanders. With Shedeur projected as a top-five pick in the upcoming draft and Shilo expected to be selected in the later rounds, Sanders chose to remain at Colorado and focus on rebuilding for the future.

Colorado’s 2024 Season & the Need for Change

The Buffaloes ended the 2024 season with a 9-4 record, their best campaign in nearly a decade. However, a 36-14 loss to BYU in the Alamo Bowl extended their bowl game victory drought to 21 years. Now, without Shedeur Sanders leading the offense, Sanders is shifting his approach, starting with a major addition to his coaching staff.

Marshall Faulk Joins as Running Backs Coach

In a bold move, Deion Sanders has brought in Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk to serve as Colorado’s new running backs coach. The former MVP, Super Bowl champion, and seven-time Pro Bowler joins an already star-studded staff that includes Warren Sapp.

Faulk’s arrival signals a strategic shift for the Buffaloes. Under Shedeur’s leadership, Colorado relied heavily on the passing game, while the running attack remained a glaring weakness. The team’s running backs combined for just 847 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024, a stat Faulk will aim to improve.

A Coaching Debut for a Legendary Player

This will be Faulk’s first official coaching role, and he is set to earn $400,000 in his first year, with $300,000 in base salary and $100,000 for community outreach. His experience as both a rusher and receiver could add an entirely new dynamic to Colorado’s offense, helping young players like Isaiah Augustave, Micah Welch, Dallan Hayden, and Drelon Miller develop under his guidance.

Faulk’s hire aligns with Sanders’ philosophy of surrounding his team with coaches who have played at the highest level. Just as Warren Sapp has helped elevate Colorado’s defense, Faulk’s impact could revolutionize the running game.

Is This the Future of College Football Coaching?

With two Hall of Famers now coaching under Sanders, Colorado is setting a precedent for college football programs bringing in NFL legends to shape the next generation of players. The recent hiring of Bill Belichick at North Carolina further suggests that former NFL stars are increasingly interested in coaching at the collegiate level.

With Deion Sanders leading the charge, Colorado could be pioneering a new coaching model—one where legendary players, not just career coaches, are shaping the future of college football.