Deion Sanders Hot-Seat Buzz Addressed by CFB Insider After Colorado's Massive Win vs. Houston

Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders has faced mounting speculation about his job security, but the fourth-year coach "isn't going down without a fight," The Athletic's Stewart Mandel wrote on Sunday.

Sanders alleviated some of the concerns about his job with a stunning 42–32 upset over No. 14 Houston on Friday night.

It was Colorado's first victory against a top-15-ranked team since 2007. The Buffaloes offense erupted with explosive plays, scoring three 30-plus-yard rushing touchdowns and a 53-yard passing touchdown in just the second and third quarters. The victory improved Colorado to 4-6 with a 2-5 conference record.

There has been growing chatter about Sanders' job over the past two seasons. Colorado finished with a 9-4 record in 2024, which was Sanders' second season with the team. Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders departed for the 2025 NFL Draft, and the Buffaloes took a significant step backwards. Colorado finished with a 3-9 record last season.

Despite opening the 2026 season with two victories, the Buffaloes lost their next five games and appeared to be on pace to finish with the worst record in the Big 12. After losing nine consecutive Big 12 contests, Sanders has led Colorado to victories in two of the team's last three conference games.

Sanders signed a contract extension after the 2024 season, and Colorado would owe him a $25.5 million buyout if he were fired after this season, per CBS Sports. Colorado only guaranteed 75 percent of the coach's contract through 2029, but it would still be expensive to move on. Colorado professor Roger Pielke Jr. estimated it would cost the school $21 million more to fire Sanders than to keep him.