As Colorado opened fall camp on Monday, Deion Sanders’ coaching staff changed, with wide receivers coach Jason Phillips no longer part of the program. Coach Prime paid tribute to Phillips with a heartfelt message that reflected on the many memories they shared throughout their coaching journey.
Deion Sanders Sends Heartfelt Farewell to Jason Phillips After Staff Exit
Phillips was absent when Colorado’s coaching staff was introduced to the team during the Buffaloes’ first fall camp meeting. It fuelled speculation that he had left the program, but the reason for his absence remained unclear at the time.
That answer arrived on Monday, when it was revealed that Phillips stepped away from the program to handle a family matter and has officially retired from coaching.
Sanders also confirmed the news in a heartfelt post on X.
“JPhil retired my brother! We go way back to playing together with the Falcons. I love him to life and he’s coached over 25 years man. I’m proud of him and he blessed us and they’re 5 recs that played for CU in NFL camps right now,” Coach Prime wrote.
JPhil retired my brother! We go way back to playing together with the Falcons. I love him to life and he’s coached over 25 years man. I’m proud of him and he blessed us and they’re 5 recs that played for CU in NFL camps right now. https://t.co/L6xwZkvKvD
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) August 4, 2026
Phillips reunited with Sanders at Colorado after previously serving as Jackson State’s co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach. Before joining the Buffaloes, he spent two years coaching wide receivers for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Canadian Football League.
Though their second stint together lasted only two seasons, Sanders highlighted the strong bond they share by posting another emotional tribute.
“Coach Jason Phillips is my brother, my dawg & my dear friend. He was even mentioned in my HOF speech because of how he helped me prepare for games with ATL. He’s retiring after a stellar career & please note several Buffs recs are in NFL camps currently. Love ya man 2 Life!” Sanders wrote.
Coach Jason Phillips is my brother, my dawg & my dear friend. He was even mentioned in my HOF speech because of how he helped me prepare for games with ATL. He’s retiring after a stellar career & please note several Buffs recs are in NFL camps currently. Love ya man 2 Life!
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) August 4, 2026
Phillips starred as a wide receiver at Houston, earning All-American honors in 1988 before playing professionally with the Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons. He totaled 49 receptions for 578 yards and 2 touchdowns in his NFL career.
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Phillips later extended his playing career in the CFL with the Birmingham Barracudas and Hamilton Tiger-Cats before transitioning into coaching. Over more than two decades on the sidelines, Phillips primarily coached wide receivers while also serving as a co-offensive coordinator, passing game coordinator, and recruiting coordinator.
Colorado has already named Phillips’ replacement, with Rashad Davis stepping in as wide receivers coach. Davis is now expected to provide a seamless fit alongside new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion.
