Whether you like him or not, Deion Sanders has completely revitalized the Colorado Buffaloes football program this year, leading them to their highest win total since 2016. With a record of 7-2, Sanders and his team have turned heads across the college football landscape, and their latest victory over Texas Tech on Saturday marked yet another milestone for Sanders’ impressive turnaround of the program. Along with the win, Sanders also secured a lucrative bonus from his employers.
According to a report by USA Today’s Steve Berkowitz, Sanders received a $100,000 bonus as part of his contract for achieving his seventh win of the season against the Red Raiders.
The report highlighted that Sanders’ contract rewards him an additional $100,000 for every win he secures for the remainder of the season. To date, Sanders has already accumulated $400,000 in bonuses since taking on the role of head coach for the Buffaloes.
“Colorado coach Deion Sanders picks up a $100,000 bonus as Buffaloes defeat Texas Tech for their 7th win of the season. Sanders now getting $100,000 for each win for remainder of regular season. Sanders has $400,000 in bonuses so far,” Berkowitz noted in his report.
After a hot 3-0 start to the 2023 season, the Buffaloes hit a rough patch and ultimately finished the year with a disappointing 4-8 record.
Many critics were quick to label Sanders a fraud, questioning his capabilities as a head coach and dismissing his ability to lead a major college football program. However, Sanders and the Buffaloes have proved the doubters wrong in the 2024 season, storming back to not only compete for a conference title but also garner attention from the College Football Playoff Selection Committee.
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The Buffaloes have been an offensive force to be reckoned with this year, scoring at least 28 points in eight of their nine games. Their only losses have come on the road against Nebraska and in a hard-fought game at home against a ranked Kansas State team.
Aside from those setbacks, the Buffaloes have been dominant, showcasing a high-powered offense and a surprisingly stout defense. A significant contributor to Colorado’s success has been the outstanding play of Travis Hunter, the star athlete who has excelled in his dual role as a wide receiver and cornerback.
With three games left in the regular season, the Buffaloes have an opportunity to continue their winning ways. Their remaining matchups are against Utah, Kansas, and Oklahoma State—teams that all currently have losing records. If Colorado wins out, they will secure a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game, putting themselves in prime position to compete for the conference title.
A win in the Big 12 Championship would almost certainly earn the Buffaloes a spot in the College Football Playoff, perhaps even with a first-round bye.
Deion Sanders’ journey as head coach has been nothing short of remarkable, and it appears that he may have a very bright future in coaching ahead of him. The $100,000 per win bonuses he’s currently earning may end up being just a small taste of what’s to come.
With his success at Colorado, it’s not far-fetched to imagine Sanders commanding even more lucrative offers, whether it be from a larger college football program or perhaps even an NFL team. His unique blend of charisma, leadership, and football knowledge has clearly resonated with his players and the entire program, leading the Buffaloes to a level of success that few anticipated.
As Sanders continues to build his resume and lead the Buffaloes through this promising season, the college football world is taking notice. His impact on the Colorado program goes beyond just wins and losses; he has brought renewed energy, excitement, and hope to a fanbase that was yearning for a return to prominence.
If Sanders can guide the Buffaloes to a Big 12 title and a spot in the College Football Playoff, it would be one of the most impressive turnarounds in recent memory, solidifying his status as one of the most promising coaches in the game.
Whether or not Sanders remains at Colorado for the long haul, one thing is clear: his coaching career is just getting started, and the sky is the limit.
With his proven ability to turn a struggling program into a contender, the future looks incredibly bright for “Coach Prime” and whatever team is fortunate enough to have him at the helm.