Deion Sanders has told his Jackson State team he will become the 28th University of Colorado head football coach and UC Athletic director Rick George confirmed the news Saturday evening in a release.
Coach Prime was introduced during a press event Sunday afternoon.
"This is my job and my occupation and my business and my dream to bring you back to where you know you should belong," Sanders said during Sunday's press briefing. "We're going to have one of the best coaching staffs assembled, some of the best scouts."
He is bringing his charisma and larger-than-life persona to a beleaguered Pac-12 program that’s plunged to the bottom of college football.
“There were a number of highly qualified and impressive candidates interested in becoming the next head football coach at Colorado, but none of them had the pedigree, the knowledge and the ability to connect with student-athletes like Deion Sanders,” George said
“Not only will Coach Prime energize our fanbase, I’m confident that he will lead our program back to national prominence while leading a team of high quality and high character.”
Reports indicate Sanders is expected to make a $5 million salary.
The signs have been pointing in Coach Prime’s direction and the school’s board of regents had called for a special meeting Sunday.
The Pro Football Hall of Famer has been at Jackson State, a historically Black college that plays in the NCAA’s FCS Division, since 2020 — guiding the Tigers to last season’s Southwestern Athletic Conference title and getting them to an 12-0 mark this season. The Tigers beat Southern in the SWAC championship on Saturday. The team went 27-5 in the Sanders era
University of Colorado has been searching for a replacement for Karl Dorrell after the coach was dismissed in October. The Buffaloes finished out the season at 1-11.
CU students shared their excitement after hearing the news Sunday.
"I am super excited for Deion Sanders to be here," student David Morehouse said. "His experience in turning an underdog into a winner is going to help us a whole lot."
Colorado fans can see Sanders' first game as Buffaloes head coach September 2, 2023 at TCU with the first home game on September 9, 2023.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
Sanders has told Jackson State players he’s headed to CU. Everything should be official after meeting on Sunday. Sanders expected to make $5 million salary with escalators that increase amount significantly. CU is back on the football map. #Denver7 https://t.co/f3ULLFVKx4
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) December 4, 2022
So it is done. Multiple sources and reports say @DeionSanders has told his JSU players he is leaving and accepting the job as head coach of the #CUBuffs. @CUBuffsFootball @DenverChannel
— Lionel Bienvenu (@lionelbienvenu) December 4, 2022