Marshall Faulk Backs Deion Sanders, Says Colorado HC Is 'Not Just a Lame-Duck Coach'

Even though the outside assumption is that Deion Sanders was merely biding his time before leaving Colorado to get a more high-profile job, one member of his coaching staff is pushing back against that narrative based on how hard he sees him working for this team.

Pro Football Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk, who is working as Colorado's running backs coach, told ESPN's Adam Rittenberg that Sanders is "not just a lame-duck coach" for the Buffaloes:

"Every morning, he rises to the occasion. He's out there at practice. He's not just a lame-duck coach. Like, he's out there, he's fired up, whatever energy he has, he's giving it. There's no difference in him before he had the surgery, to now. There's been no falloff."

With Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter leaving the program after the 2024 season, there was some thought that Coach Prime might follow suit. He at least entertained the Dallas Cowboys' head-coaching vacancy in January before deciding to stay put.

The University of Colorado rewarded Sanders with a five-year, $54 million contract extension in March. His $10.8 million average annual salary is tied with Texas' Steve Sarkisian for fifth-highest among all FBS coaches entering this season.

Sanders' coaching future seemed uncertain after revealing in July that he underwent surgery to remove a tumor from his bladder earlier this year and is now cancer-free.

The 58-year-old Sanders explained he still has difficulties using the bathroom and at one point lost 25 pounds due to complications from his surgery.

Despite the health issues that resulted in him making out a will for the first time, Sanders said he "never thought" about resigning from his position at Colorado.

Sanders is entering his third season with the Buffaloes. He led them to a 9-4 record in 2024, their most wins in a season since 2016 (10-4).

Colorado will open the 2025 campaign on Friday night at home against Georgia Tech.