Is Deion Sanders' tenure at Colorado over? A mysterious 'last supper' remark intensifies speculation.

Jeff Hauser

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Is Deion Sanders done at Colorado? A cryptic 'last supper' statement heats up rumors image

TL;DR

  • Colorado finished 3-9 after a 24-14 loss to Kansas State, marking a disappointing season.
  • Deion Sanders acknowledged the team's struggles, especially on defense, and promised changes.
  • Sanders expressed his commitment to the program, stating he will fix the issues.
  • The Buffaloes had minimal victories, with significant roster and coaching staff instability.

Deion Sanders offered no justifications on Saturday, concluding his third year coaching Colorado with both disappointment and determination after a 24-14 defeat against Kansas State, which capped an unexpectedly poor 3-9 record for The Buffaloes.

Sanders commenced his closing press conference for the season, recognizing the upcoming examination following Colorado's struggle to a 1-8 record in Big 12 games and concluding the year with one of the country's weakest defenses, a significant decline from the advancements demonstrated the previous season.

Is this the conclusion for Coach Prime in Boulder? For this season, yes. For the long term, no. He restated his dedication to the program and promised that alterations are on the horizon. Nevertheless, his demeanor was enigmatic. 

“You don’t have to go easy on me. I’m a big boy. I’ve been doing this for a long time,” Sanders said. “If anybody’s built to reconcile and get this back on course, it’s me. And I will do it, if it’s the last thing I do on earth. Trust me when I tell you, this was the last supper.”

Colorado's sole victories were against opponents that provided minimal support to their overall record. Delaware, Wyoming, and Iowa State, with just a single power four victory, further diminish their standing. This season was significantly impacted by changes in coaching staff and a lack of stability within the roster. The defensive unit, which ranked in the top 50 in 2024 after previously showing signs of serious decline, experienced a substantial downturn, allowing an average of 425 yards per contest. 

Queries targeting perceived defensive “improvements” prompted strong counterarguments, as Sanders dismissed moral victories despite noting K-State was limited to 206 rushing yards, a significant improvement from prior contests. Nevertheless, the outcome remained the same. 

“There’s not a consolation prize,” Sanders said. “They’re supposed to fight. They’re supposed to want it. They’re supposed to give their best.”

Sanders, who signed a five-year, $54 million extension in March following a 9-4 breakthrough in 2024, was blunt when pressed on Colorado’s slide.

“It’s no rut. You’re just not good,” he said. When asked how to fix it, he added, “It’s no rut. You’re just not good.” 

Given Sanders' health challenges, including his recovery from bladder cancer and mid-season interventions for blood clots, neither outcome was anticipated. This alters the narrative but contributes to the broader context. 

Before exiting, Sanders delivered a vow he has repeated throughout his coaching ascent.

“We won’t ever be in this situation again,” he said. “I promise you that.”

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Senior Editor