Deion Sanders isn’t going down without a fight, according to The Athletic’s Stewart Mandel. That statement rings truer than ever after Colorado pulled off a stunning 42,32 upset over No. 14 Houston on Friday night, a victory that just might have saved Coach Prime’s job, at least for now. This wasn’t just any win; it was Colorado’s first against a top-15 ranked team since 2007, and it came at a moment when job speculation was at an all-time high.
Prime’s Roller Coaster: From Highs to “Worst Record” Talk
The buzz around Sanders’ job security has been constant over the past couple of seasons. Remember 2024? Colorado finished 9-4 in his second year, looking like they were building something special. But then Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders bounced for the 2025 NFL Draft, and the team took a significant step backwards, finishing a dismal 3-9 last season. This year started with a glimmer of hope, opening with two wins, but then the Buffaloes hit a wall, losing five straight. They looked destined for the worst record in the Big 12, especially after dropping nine consecutive conference contests. Seriously, it was looking rough out there. But credit where it’s due: Sanders has since rallied his squad, leading them to victories in two of their last three conference games. This Houston upset feels like a turning point, or at least a powerful pause button.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: A Historic Upset and a Massive Buyout
That offense against Houston? Absolutely exploded. We’re talking three 30-plus-yard rushing touchdowns and a monster 53-yard passing touchdown, all crammed into just the second and third quarters. That kind of playmaking is exactly what you need when you’re fighting for your coach. This win pushes Colorado to 4-6 overall with a 2-5 conference record, which, while not a world-beater, is a far cry from where they seemed headed. And here’s the kicker: money talks. Sanders signed a contract extension after the 2024 season. CBS Sports reports that if Colorado wanted to fire him after this season, they’d owe him a cool $25.5 million buyout. While the school only guaranteed 75 percent of his contract through 2029, moving on would still be incredibly expensive. Colorado professor Roger Pielke Jr. estimated it would cost the school $21 million more to fire Sanders than to keep him. Suddenly, that huge win over Houston looks like it bought Sanders a lot more than just some breathing room; it bought him a ton of financial leverage.
So what’s next for Coach Prime and the Buffaloes? With that massive buyout looming, Colorado’s win over Houston isn’t just a morale boost, it’s a huge financial roadblock for anyone thinking of making a change. Sanders isn’t just coaching for wins; he’s effectively put a $25.5 million price tag on his coaching chair. He’s making it very clear he’s staying.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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