Deion Sanders’ health issues kept him away from Colorado football for weeks, leaving fans in Boulder anxiously waiting for his return. With the head coach expected back next week, local analyst Kevin Borba believes the timing couldn’t be better for the Buffaloes’ championship goals heading into the upcoming season.
Why Is Deion Sanders’ Return Timing Perfect for Colorado?
In the latest episode of “Locked On Buffs,” Borba outlined two key reasons why Sanders’ return timeline works in Colorado’s favor. The analyst emphasized how the head coach’s absence created a noticeable void that even the most experienced staff couldn’t fill.
“For starters, you get that stability and leadership. I think even though Pat Shurmur has experience running a program, the strength and conditioning coaches know what they’re doing. Those guys, Jordan Seaton’s looking good. All these guys are bulking up, looking strong, low body fat, high muscle mass,” Borba said.
However, Borba made it clear that no support staff can truly replace what Sanders brings to the program. “But at the end of the day, you could have the best support staff in the country. When you’re missing your head coach, it feels like a part of you is missing, especially when your head coach is Deion Sanders,” he added.
The first major factor Borba highlighted was Sanders’ irreplaceable leadership presence. While offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur kept the program running during Sanders’ absence, the dynamic simply wasn’t the same. Shurmur’s NFL experience with the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns provided valuable expertise, but Sanders’ unique rapport with players and his larger-than-life presence couldn’t be replicated through traditional coaching methods.
Colorado coach Deion Sanders, who has been suffering from an undisclosed medical condition, is expected to be back on the job soon. https://t.co/caXcnzqfNC https://t.co/caXcnzqfNC
— Reuters Sports (@ReutersSports) July 5, 2025
How Does Sanders’ Return Align With Fall Camp?
The second crucial element Borba emphasized involves the timing around fall camp preparations. Colorado is set to begin its preseason training in late July, which means Sanders will have adequate time to reconnect with his players and establish the foundation for the upcoming season.
This timing becomes even more important when considering the roster changes Colorado faces. The Buffaloes are moving forward without key players like Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who have left the program.
Read More: Amid Departure Rumor, Deion Sanders’ Likely Next Role Revealed by Colorado Analyst
The departures represent significant losses for Colorado’s offensive production. During the 2024 season, Shedeur Sanders threw for over 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns, while Hunter contributed 1,258 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns to the team’s efforts.
Colorado athletic director Rick George recently provided an update on Sanders’ expected return, stating he anticipates the coach back on campus “in a week or two, probably.”
According to Borba’s analysis, Sanders’ return provides the stability and inspiration the program needs to maintain its upward trajectory following their 9-4 record.
