Boulder, Colo. – As the University of Colorado football team grapples with a disappointing 3-6 record in Deion Sanders' third season as head coach, the program's athletic director has publicly voiced his continued support for the NFL legend turned college coach.
Rick George, Colorado's athletic director, expressed confidence in Sanders despite the Buffaloes' recent struggles, which include dropping four of their last five games. The team is set to face West Virginia in a Week 11 matchup at Milan Puskar Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for noon ET on Saturday.
George's endorsement comes amid what he described as a challenging year for Sanders, both on and off the field. "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," George told reporters, according to a report from Fox News.
The athletic director appeared to reference Sanders' recent health battles, which have been a significant storyline leading into the season. In July, Sanders announced that doctors had removed his bladder after discovering a tumor. He stated there has been no evidence of cancer since the surgery, and a section of his intestine was reconstructed to function as a bladder.
Sanders, known as Coach Prime, faced questions about his ability to coach following the procedure, but he has remained committed to the program. The health scare added to the pressures of a season marked by on-field disappointments, including a lopsided 52-17 loss to Arizona last week, after which Sanders barred players from speaking to the media.
Sanders took over the Colorado football program in December 2022, inheriting a team that had won just one game the previous season. As a charismatic Pro Football Hall of Famer, he quickly brought national attention to a program that had long been overlooked in college football circles.
His arrival sparked immediate interest, with high-profile recruits and transfers flocking to Boulder. In 2024, the Buffaloes made the transition to the Big 12 Conference and achieved a notable turnaround, finishing with nine wins. Key to that success were standout players like two-way star Travis Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Deion's son.
However, this season has seen the team struggle to replace those talents. Hunter was selected second overall in April's NFL Draft, while Shedeur Sanders was picked in the fifth round. Their departures left significant voids in the roster, contributing to the Buffaloes' difficulties against opponents with superior talent.
Recruiting has also proven challenging for Sanders lately, with the program not landing the same caliber of prospects as in previous years. To address the quarterback position, Colorado brought in Kaidon Salter as a transfer from Liberty during the offseason. Salter's performances have been uneven, leading to opportunities for other quarterbacks like Julian Lewis to see playing time.
"Doctors said a section of Sanders' intestine was reconstructed to function as a bladder. Sanders faced questions about whether he’d be up for coaching after his health scare, but he remains steadfast in his commitment to Colorado," the Fox News report detailed, highlighting the coach's resilience.
The Buffaloes' move to the Big 12 has exposed them to tougher competition, and this year's schedule has included games against formidable teams like TCU and Utah. A photo from the September 2, 2023, game against TCU at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, captured Sanders conversing with George after a 45-42 victory, a moment that now contrasts sharply with the current season's woes.
More recently, images from October 4, 2025, showed Sanders calling a timeout during the first half against TCU in Fort Worth, and on October 25, 2025, he was seen watching his players warm up before facing Utah in Salt Lake City. These snapshots underscore the ongoing scrutiny Sanders faces as the team navigates its underwhelming campaign.
In a separate comment reported by Fox News, Sanders revealed his biggest surprise at Colorado's home games: "It never fails," he said, though specifics were not elaborated in the coverage. The coach's motivational style and media presence have kept the spotlight on the program, even during tough times.
Looking ahead, the game against West Virginia represents a critical opportunity for Colorado to turn things around. A win could provide momentum heading into the final weeks of the season, but continued losses might intensify questions about the program's direction under Sanders.
George's support suggests stability for now, but as he noted, the focus remains on securing more victories. With the season winding down, Sanders and the Buffaloes will need to address recruiting gaps and quarterback inconsistencies to rebuild for future success in the competitive Big 12 landscape.
While the primary coverage from Fox News paints a picture of institutional backing amid adversity, no conflicting viewpoints from other sources were immediately available, leaving George's comments as the prevailing narrative on Sanders' standing at Colorado.
The broader implications for the program include potential impacts on fan engagement and alumni support, given the high expectations set by Sanders' early success. As college football evolves with conference realignments and the transfer portal, Colorado's ability to adapt will be key.
In the meantime, Sanders continues to motivate his team, drawing on his NFL experience and personal perseverance. Whether this season marks a temporary setback or a longer-term challenge remains to be seen, but for now, the athletic director's confidence provides a vote of stability.
(Note: This article is based on reporting from Fox News and aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the situation as of the latest available information.)