Deion Sanders brought in a new wave of talent this offseason to replace Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter after they entered the National Football League. Now, Sanders is eyeing two well-known NFL figures to join his Colorado Buffaloes coaching staff for 2025.
Speaking at Big 12 media days, Sanders said he’s “praying” that Colorado is able to add former NFL quarterback and offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich, along with former defensive coordinator and head coach Mike Zimmer, to his staff.
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“Our coaching staff, this is without Byron Leftwich, which I’m praying that he does the right thing, and Mike Zimmer, we have 160 years of NFL experience. With those two added, that’s 204 years of NFL experience. And I want those years.”
Deion Sanders on wanting to add Byron Leftwich, Mike Zimmer to Colorado Buffaloes coaching staff (via ProFootballTalk)
As previously reported in March that Colorado had already hired Leftwich, Sanders confirmed that’s not the case. So, per Brent Schrotenboer of USA Today, Sanders is urging athletic director Rick George to add Leftwich and Zimmer to the payroll.
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The Buffaloes’ coaching staff already consists of some NFL legends. Pro Football Hall of Famers Marshall Faulk (running backs coach) and Warren Sapp (defensive pass rush coordinator) are on the staff. In addition, former NFL players Domata Peko (defensive line) and Andre Gurode (offensive line), along with former NFL coach Pat Shurmur (offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach), work with Sanders.
Zimmer, who spent last season as the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, has been weighing retirement after spending decades in the NFL as an assistant, defensive coordinator, and head coach. Leftwich, who played in the NFL from 2003 to 2012, served as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator from 2019 to 2022.
NFL, MLB & college football writer for Sportsnaut. Graduated from San Diego State University with BA in Journalism, 2019. ... More about Matt Johnson