Deion Sanders became one of the highest-paid coaches in college football this offseason. The five-year, $54 million deal came off a 9-4 season in 2024, including a brutal loss to BYU in the Alamo Bowl.
Colorado started the 2025 season with a 27-20 loss to Georgia Tech. Coach Prime's team bounced back with a 31-7 win over FCS contender Delaware, before struggling in the Big 12 opener with Houston. Given the turbulent play to start this year, including all three quarterbacks being in rotation, here's the details of Sanders' contract, including a formal buyout agreement that decreases each year he stays in Boulder.
Deion Sanders buyout terms
According to Sportico, Sanders would owe Colorado $12 million in "liquidated damages" if he terminates his new contract on or before Dec. 31, 2025. Every year, Coach Prime's buyout figure drops.
$10 million before Dec. 31, 2026
$6 million before Dec. 31, 2027
$4 million before Dec. 31, 2028
$3 million before Dec. 31, 2029
Sanders' old contract buyout was set at $8 million, if he left Colorado before the conclusion of 2025. The buyout would only come into play if Sanders accepts "alternate employment as a coach at the collegiate or at the non-amateur level." The new contract also allows a potential new employer to pay the buyout on behalf of Sanders. This works both ways for college football coaches' contracts and helps the school mitigate losses in case of sudden departure.
Deion Sanders bonuses
Coach Prime's original contract at Colorado includes a wealth of monetary incentives for potential team achievements. He would receive a $450,000 bonus if Colorado is invited to a New Year’s 6 bowl game and $750,000 if the Buffs somehow won a national championship.
$150,000: Colorado wins six games in a season and reaches bowl eligibility
$100,000: Each additional win beyond the first six
$150,000: Colorado wins the Big 12
$75,000: Colorado plays in a Big 12 Championship game
$150,000: Sanders is named National Coach of the Year
$75,000: Sanders is named Big 12 Coach of the Year
$50,000: Colorado attains a team APR of at least 965
Here's was Colorado athletic director Rick George's statement when Sanders inked his new deal.
"Coach Prime has revolutionized college football and in doing so, has restored CU football to our rightful place as a national power," George said. "This extension not only recognizes Coach's incredible accomplishments transforming our program on and off the field, it keeps him in Boulder to compete for conference and national championships in the years to come."
Sanders said he was "excited for the opportunity to continue building something special" and added "It's not just about football; it's about developing young men who are ready to take on the world.
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