Sanders accepts blame as Colorado faces Houston with season on the line
The coach stated he is responsible for the team's 3-6 record, while the Buffaloes prepare to host a heavily favored Houston squad Friday night.
By Emmanuel Faure ·
Deion Sanders placed the responsibility for the Colorado Buffaloes' season entirely on himself on Tuesday. The team sits at 3-6 overall and is on the verge of a third losing season in Sanders' four years in Boulder. He stated that the blame stops with him, correcting himself during a news conference to ensure he used the singular pronoun rather than the collective.
Sanders admitted the team is not performing at the expected level across all phases. "We’re just not getting it done. I’m just not getting it done," he said. He emphasized that the issues span offense, defense, and special teams. The coach rejected the idea that he is worried about his employment status, noting that he is not built that way.
The pressure on Sanders has increased as the Buffaloes face a difficult stretch. The team needs to win its final three games to secure bowl eligibility. That requirement begins Friday night when Colorado hosts the No. 14 Houston Cougars. Houston is a 10 1/2-point favorite in that matchup. Sanders is making a base salary of $10 million this year and is under contract through the 2029 season, with a buyout clause of approximately $25.5 million.
Since the departures of quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter to the NFL, the team has gone 6-15 under Sanders. His overall record in Boulder stands at 19-27. Sanders said he does not flinch under pressure and believes the coordinators are doing their best. He noted that the players are fighting and do not have a gene for giving up.
A primary issue for the team has been offensive rhythm. The Buffaloes average a conference-low 19.8 points per game in the fast-paced scheme designed by coordinator Brennan Marion. Sanders indicated that he is not considering replacing Marion. When asked about the play-caller, Sanders asked if it was Killing Brennan Day today. He stated the team is focusing on the present rather than long-term changes.
Quarterbacks Julian Lewis and Isaac Wilson have shared duties at the helm. Sanders said he is a now guy who focuses on day-by-day and play-by-play execution. The defense is currently allowing 28.3 points per game. Linebacker Gideon Lampron won the Big 12 defensive player of the week award for the second consecutive week after recording 18 tackles and two sacks against Arizona State.
Sanders addressed his job security again Saturday night after a 20-10 loss at Arizona State. He said he is focused on the players' development and graduation rather than his own security. "I ain't not worried about me," he said. He added that he is here for the young men and wants them to make changes in their communities and families.
Receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. said the team is still fighting for a bowl chance. The players plan to continue improving their mindset and performance. Sanders participated in practice on Tuesday, playing safety on the scout team. He said he recorded nine tackles, three assists, and a couple of pass breakups while getting his cardio in.
