Deion Sanders is drawing strong approval after bringing Byron Leftwich onto his Colorado coaching staff. A Super Bowl-winning offensive coordinator and former NFL quarterback, Leftwich’s addition is considered a key move as the Buffaloes navigate life after Shedeur Sanders, who is headed to the NFL.
The announcement, captured in a video, came during a team meeting on Tuesday. The hire is widely seen as a strategic advantage for Sanders as he reshapes the offense. Leftwich, known for his success both under center and on the sidelines, is expected to have a major impact.
Deion Sanders Adds NFL-Caliber Experience with Byron Leftwich Hire
Sanders’ latest addition to Colorado’s football staff is drawing strong reactions across the college football landscape. The move signals a major step for a program looking to solidify its quarterback future following Shedeur Sanders’ departure to the NFL. Sanders introduced Leftwich during a team meeting, expressing full confidence in the hire.
“With the quarterbacks, he is going to do what he does,” Sanders told the team. “He has a wealth of knowledge. With him and Pat [Shurmur] and what the whole staff brings offensively, we’re going to go to another level.”
Standing beside Leftwich, he added,
“You should feel blessed. This guy knows what he is doing and he’s going to be an intricate part of our success. I already know that. So let’s welcome Coach Leftwich.”
Byron Leftwich was present on Day 1 of Fall Camp 👀
(via: @theepregameshow ) pic.twitter.com/ae9oAeOXrZ
— DNVR Buffs (@DNVR_Buffs) July 29, 2025
Leftwich, 45, previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2019 through 2022. During his time in Tampa, he helped guide the offense to four consecutive top-two finishes in passing yards.
Analyst Kevin Borba praised the move, pointing out how rare it is to add someone of Leftwich’s caliber to a college staff.
“Bringing in Byron Leftwich isn’t just like, ‘Oh cool, we got another strength and conditioning coach’ or ‘an analyst,’” Borba said. “Byron Leftwich is a guy who offers a wealth of knowledge. If I’m Julian Lewis or Kaden Salter, I’m trying to be a sponge. What did Tom Brady teach you? What can elevate my game?”
Leftwich’s impact is expected to go far beyond the starter. With two high-potential quarterbacks in Salter and Lewis likely to see action this season, his ability to identify talent and teach decision-making on plays like RPOs and checks could be essential.
“He knows a thing or two about identifying talent,” Borba noted. “And he has so much knowledge from the quarterback perspective that maybe Colorado’s been lacking.”
Despite interviewing for multiple NFL head-coaching roles, Leftwich chose Boulder. Sanders, meanwhile, continues to demonstrate his willingness to surround himself with experienced minds.
“He’s all about building a staff that can elevate his team but also elevate him as a coach,” Borba added.
His work with Tom Brady produced the quarterback’s first 5,000-yard and 40-touchdown season in over a decade. Before rising through the ranks as a coach, Leftwich was a standout player, which gives him a dual lens on quarterback development that few possess.
