Colorado coach Deion Sanders is a man used to winning. He won four bowl games at Florida State, a National League pennant with the Braves, Super Bowls with the 49ers and Cowboys, and a pair of SWAC titles as Jackson State’s coach.
The Buffaloes, however, are in a different solar system from those champions. Colorado is reeling from a 1–11 season—the team’s worst in a decade—and in the midst of a complete roster overhaul a year before switching conferences.
Some coaches would zero in on culture as a means of kickstarting a turnaround. Sanders is not some coaches.
“I don’t care about culture. I don’t even care if they like each other, I want to win,” Sanders proclaimed at the Buffaloes’ annual fall sports media day Friday. “I have been on some teams where the quarterback didn’t like the receiver but they darn sure made harmony when the ball was snapped. And we’re not like that, trust me, these kids are very fond of one another.”
Colorado’s culture under Sanders has been under the microscope since his December hiring, shortly after which he boldly urged players to enter their names in the transfer portal. An astounding number—over 50—obliged.
Sanders's theories will be put to the test on Sept. 2, when the Buffaloes open their season at defending Fiesta Bowl champion TCU.
