Colorado is set to play in the Alamo Bowl after an impressive 2024 season under head coach Deion Sanders. Known as Coach Prime, Sanders has revitalized the Buffaloes’ football program but continues to hold his players to high standards as they prepare to face BYU.
In a recent address to his team, Sanders emphasized discipline, stating, “If I smell smoke on any floor, or if I hear someone has been smoking, that will be your last puff. I want you all to have fun, but let’s do it the right way. Don’t jeopardize your moments over something stupid.” His firm stance demonstrates his commitment to maintaining focus and professionalism among his athletes.
This disciplinarian approach might surprise some, as Sanders, during his playing days, was more renowned for his flashy persona than strict discipline. His transition to coaching was met with skepticism, with critics doubting whether his personality would translate well into a leadership role. However, Sanders has proved them wrong, building a successful coaching career under intense scrutiny.
🔥 The Standard. Coach Prime Lays Down the Ground Rules to the Team
“You embarrass us and this university, you will not get a second chance to do it. If I smell smoke on any floor, that will be your last puff”
📽️ @theepregameshow pic.twitter.com/oG4gVTL82K
— JaKi 🇺🇸 (@JaKiTruth) December 25, 2024
After starting his coaching journey at the high school level, Sanders took the reins at Jackson State in 2020. His arrival transformed the historically Black college’s football program, which had not been a significant force in college football. Sanders brought national attention and high-caliber recruits, including Travis Hunter, one of the country’s top prospects, who chose Jackson State over powerhouse programs. During his tenure, Sanders led the team to a 27-6 record.
In 2023, Sanders moved to Colorado, inheriting a program that had gone 1-11 the previous season and was projected to finish near the bottom of the Big 12. His first year saw the team improve to 4-8, and in 2024, he guided them to a remarkable 9-3 record. With his son, Shedeur Sanders, at quarterback and Hunter excelling on both offense and defense, the Buffaloes became one of the most talked-about teams in college football.
However, Sanders’ approach hasn’t been without controversy. He overhauled Colorado’s roster using the transfer portal at an unprecedented rate, leading to criticism for pushing out a significant number of players. His methods were documented in the Netflix series Coach Prime, which captured his tenure at Colorado. Additionally, Sanders has had a contentious relationship with the media, with some sports personalities, like SEC commentator Paul Finebaum, criticizing him for being overly critical of reporters.
Despite narrowly missing the College Football Playoff, Colorado’s appearance in the Alamo Bowl marks a significant milestone. It is their first bowl game since 2020 and an opportunity to secure their first bowl victory since 2004. Sanders is taking the matchup seriously, making it clear that he expects the same level of commitment from his players.
Sanders’ success as a coach continues to draw attention, and his ability to balance his larger-than-life persona with his role as a disciplinarian is an ongoing point of discussion.