Deion Sanders dismisses talk of leaving Colorado

Given his success this season as Colorado’s head coach, it’s no surprise that Deion Sanders’ name has been mentioned for other coaching vacancies, including in the NFL, but Sanders said Tuesday he has no intention of leaving the Buffaloes.

“I’m happy where I am, man,” Sanders told reporters Tuesday. “I’ve got a kickstand down. You know what a kickstand is? … That means I’m resting. I’m good, I’m happy, I’m excited. I’m enthusiastic about where I am. I love it here, truly do.”

The No. 16 Buffaloes are 8-2, already doubling their win total from last season’s 4-8 finish, which was Sanders’ first at the helm.

He signed a five-year $29.5 million contract with Colorado after the 2022 season, which saw the Buffaloes fire Karl Dorrell midseason and notch just one win.

Now, at 6-1 in the conference, they’re two wins away from competing in the Big 12 title game and are pushing for an appearance in the College Football Playoff.

This success has prompted speculation that Sanders could fill one of several coaching vacancies, including at the NFL level, with former Dallas Cowboys teammate Michael Irvin among those suggesting Sanders could wind up in Dallas if the team parts ways with current coach Mike McCarthy.

Sanders, however, spoke highly of his younger players and the expectation that Colorado’s success will continue, despite the likelihood that key players like Heisman Trophy candidates Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders, Deion’s son, will depart for the NFL after this season.

“It says a lot about what we plan on being and the stability that we’re going to be here for a while,” he said. “We ain’t going nowhere. We’re about to get comfortable.”

Tied with BYU for first place in the Big 12, Colorado visits 4-6 Kansas on Saturday and finishes out the season hosting 3-7 Oklahoma State.