Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes are coming off a disappointing 2025 season that ended with a 3-9 overall record and just one Big 12 win. After a strong 9-4 campaign in 2024 with a bowl berth, the program took a step back following the departures of key talents like Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter to the NFL.
Coach Prime has spent the early offseason reshaping his staff, including bold moves like declining to hire a replacement for departed special teams coordinator Michael Pollock. In the process, Josh Niblett was officially hired as the tight ends coach in January and is among those expected to assist with these unit responsibilities.
Oct 11, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders during the first quarter against the Iowa State Cyclones at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Oct 11, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders during the first quarter against the Iowa State Cyclones at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Now, his recent social media drop has drawn significant attention, while ESPN has put him in serious retirement talk.
Deion Sanders’ powerful life lesson goes viral
In the middle of spring preparations for 2026, Sanders posted a cryptic message on X on March 13 about lies. It quickly gained traction, resonating as classic Coach Prime motivation mixed with real-world edge.
Sanders has long used social media to share wisdom on life, loyalty, and competition, which also serve as messages to his team, recruits, or critics. So, some folks are trying to decide what the Hall of Famer actually means.
“A Lie does not care whom tells it. It has no conscious, no feelings & no Heart but it does Seek ATTENTION. The only thing A lie does NEED is Transportation! #CoachPrime,” hewrote.
A Lie does not care whom tells it. It has no conscious, no feelings & no Heart but it does Seek ATTENTION. The only thing A lie does NEED is Transportation! #CoachPrime
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) March 13, 2026
Some read it as a subtle shot at detractors who have questioned his health, his staff decisions, or Colorado’s direction. It ties into Sanders’ history of calling out what he sees as unfair attacks on his family or program, especially after high-profile stories involving his sons in the pros.
That noise includes ESPN’s recent placement of Sanders on its “retirement watch” list for 2026.
ESPN’s retirement watch list spotlights health concerns
Recently, ESPN writer Adam Rittenbergplaced Deion Sanders in the “retirement watch” tier of his college football coaching hot seat rankings. was one of only three coaches listed in this specific category, alongside UNC coach Bill Belichick and Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz.
The primary reason for his inclusion is his ongoing battle with serious health issues, including recurring blood clots and a bladder cancer diagnosisthat required surgery in 2025.
Notably, Sanders is the only coach on this list under the age of 70 and with fewer than 10 years of college coaching experience.
While he recently signed a five-year, $54 million extension through 2029, the combination of a disappointing campaign and his physical toll has raised many eyebrows about his long-term tenure in Boulder.