Colorado’s athletic director, Rick George, has voiced his support for head coach Deion Sanders, despite the Buffaloes’ struggles on the field. The University of Colorado’s football team, entering its third season under Sanders’ leadership, has posted a 3-6 record, with the team dropping four of its last five games. George, who has been a key decision-maker for the sports program, emphasized that while the team’s performance has been less than ideal, he remains confident in Sanders’ ability to turn things around.
George has previously expressed his belief that Sanders’ efforts are commendable, saying that the coach has shown resilience and hard work throughout the season. His comments come at a crucial time as the Buffaloes prepare for a Week 11 matchup against West Virginia, a game that is expected to be a significant test. George stated, “I’m proud of Coach Prime. It’s been a tough year what he’s been through. He’s been a trooper, been working hard, motivating. He’s doing the things I want him to do as coach. We just gotta win more FB games.”
Despite the team’s struggles, George’s confidence in Sanders is unwavering. He has been vocal about the coach’s leadership, particularly in light of his recent health battles. In July, Sanders revealed that doctors had removed his bladder after the discovery of a tumor, a procedure that involved reconstructing a section of his intestine to function as a bladder. Sanders has since stated that there is no evidence of cancer, and he remains committed to his coaching responsibilities at Colorado.
Sanders’ appointment as head coach in December 2022 marked a significant shift for the University of Colorado, which had previously struggled to make an impact in the Big 30. The coach’s arrival brought immediate attention to the program, which is now regarded as one of the more prominent teams in the conference. However, this season has presented several challenges. Last year, the Buffaloes won nine games and made the move to the Big 12 Conference. This year, though, the team has faced difficulties in replacing key players like Travis Hunter, who was taken in the second round of the NFL Draft, and Shedeur Sanders, who was drafted in the fifth round.
Coach Prime has yet to find reliable replacements for these players, and the ongoing roster changes have impacted the team’s performance. Additionally, the coach has been under pressure to maintain a strong leadership presence on and off the field. His decision to block players from speaking to the media after the Buffaloes’ 52-17 loss to Arizona last week has drawn some scrutiny, but it has also been seen as an effort to protect the team’s image and focus during a difficult season.
As the Buffaloes prepare for their Week 11 matchup against West Virginia, the pressure is mounting. George’s belief in Sanders remains steadfast, and the team continues to work toward improving its performance. The game against West Virginia is expected to be a major test for the Buffaloes, as they aim to turn their season around and demonstrate the potential that was evident in last season’s success.