Deion Sanders’ Monumental Contract Extension: A New Era for Colorado Football
In a move that has sent ripples through the college football landscape, Colorado coach Deion Sanders has secured a five-year, $54 million contract extension. This lucrative deal, which runs through the 2029 season, positions Sanders as one of the highest-paid coaches in the country. According to a copy of the contract obtained by ESPN on Friday, Sanders’ base salary will see a significant increase to $10 million in 2025, making him the highest-paid football coach in the Big 12 and placing him among the top-10 highest-paid football coaches nationwide.
Let’s break down the financials of this impressive contract. Sanders is set to earn $10 million in 2026, $11 million in 2027, $11 million in 2028, and a whopping $12 million in 2029. However, if Sanders decides to accept another coaching job before the contract’s conclusion, the buyout terms are quite specific. The buyout starts at $12 million for the rest of 2025, followed by $10 million in 2026, $6 million in 2027, $4 million in 2028, and $3 million in 2029. Interestingly, Sanders can retire from coaching without having to pay damages to the university, provided he doesn’t return to coach elsewhere.
Sanders’ impact on the Colorado Buffaloes has been nothing short of transformative. He took over a program that had a dismal 1-11 record in 2022 and led them to 13 wins, including nine last season and a bowl berth. The Buffaloes have become a must-watch team, with over 54 million viewers tuning in during the 2024 season. This includes a staggering 8 million viewers who watched Colorado lose 36-14 to BYU in the Alamo Bowl, marking the highest viewership in the 32-year history of the event.
In a statement, Sanders expressed his enthusiasm for the future, saying, “I’m excited for the opportunity to continue building something special here at Colorado. We’ve just scratched the surface of what this program can be. It’s not just about football; it’s about developing young men who are ready to take on the world. I’m committed to bringing greatness to this university, on and off the field. We’ve got work to do, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but here, making history with these incredible players and this passionate fan base. Lastly, anybody got at least a five-bedroom home with acreage for sale?”
The university has also highlighted Sanders’ broader impact on the school and its community. Applications have surged by 20% from a year ago to over 67,000, with an 18% increase in applications from out of state. Notably, applications from prospective students who identify as Black/African American have increased by 50.5%, and applications from those who identify as non-white have risen by 29.3%.
Colorado’s football games have become a hot ticket, with all but two home games selling out last fall. This marks the first time the Buffaloes have sold out four or more games in back-to-back seasons since 1995-96. The economic impact of these games has been substantial, generating a combined $93.9 million in direct economic impact to the city of Boulder and $146.5 million in total regional economic impact, according to the university.
Colorado athletic director Rick George praised Sanders’ contributions, stating, “Coach Prime has revolutionized college football and in doing so, has restored CU football to our rightful place as a national power. 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.”
Looking ahead, Sanders and Colorado have agreed to meet and “confer in good faith at the conclusion of the 2027 season to discuss any potential extension of this Agreement.” This forward-thinking approach ensures that the partnership between Sanders and Colorado remains strong and focused on future success.
- Deion Sanders’ contract extension runs through 2029.
- His base salary will increase to $10 million in 2025.
- Sanders led Colorado to 13 wins, including nine last season.
- Colorado’s football program attracted over 54 million viewers in 2024.
- Applications to the university have increased by 20%.
Originally Written by: Heather Dinich
