Colorado Buffaloes football coach Deion Sanders is having to ask CU’s brain trust multiple times to get his people hired. And it’s getting to the point where it’s being called out.
Byron Leftwich, who was thought to have already been hired based on Coach Prime’s introduction to the team, is reportedly still a volunteer. Warren Sapp, now the Buffs’ Pass Rush Coordinator, had his hiring held up in 2024 because of a past domestic abuse charge. Violence Free Colorado, an anti-domestic violence group, lobbied CU not to hire Sapp.
In light of the Leftwich-volunteer news, USA Today’s Brent Schrotenboer believes questions can now fairly be asked about whether Coach Prime is getting what he needs from AD Rick George and Co.
“The team clapped. However, the university confirmed Friday, Aug. 1 that, ‘as of right now, Mr. Byron Leftwich is still considered a volunteer with the University,’ as he was in the spring,” Schrotenboer wrote.
“This could change in days or weeks if Leftwich officially joins the staff as a paid assistant. The university didn’t respond to requests for further comment.
“In the meantime, it’s the second or third time since March that Sanders Sr. has suggested Leftwich has been hired or is on the verge of being hired at Colorado, raising questions about whether Sanders is getting what he wants from the university in terms of staffing. He’s at least been having to wait for it.”
Leftwich not being hired yet is accompanied by uncertainty about Mike Zimmer’s addition to the coaching staff. Coach Prime explicitly asked for both coaches this year and hasn’t received an official hiring for either.
Given what Sanders has brought to the school monetarily – and this is before even diving into his recent bladder cancer diagnosis that he overcame and didn’t stop him from being all-in on the Buffs at any point – there shouldn’t be any questions about making these hires.
