NCAAF News: Colorado Football Faces Staff Challenges

NCAAF
December 6, 2023

 

The University of Colorado football program, under head coach Deion Sanders, is encountering a period of significant change and challenges this offseason. Recent developments include the departure of three assistant coaches and concerns over recruiting and player retention. These changes come after a season that began with promise but ultimately led to a disappointing finish and non-appealing NCAAF Lines. 

 

Departures Mark a Shifting Coaching Landscape

Nick Williams, Colorado’s defensive ends coach, is set to leave the Buffaloes for a new position, marking the third assistant coach to exit Sanders’ staff since the season’s end on November 25. The exits of tight ends coach Tim Brewster and offensive coordinator Sean Lewis, who have both taken up new roles elsewhere, signify a notable shift in the coaching landscape for the Buffaloes.

Colorado’s strong start to the season, with a 3-0 record, fizzled out as the team lost eight of its last nine games, culminating in a last-place finish in the Pac-12. Adding to the challenges are recent decommitments and rising questions about Sanders’ recruiting strategy. This instability is further compounded by the transfer portal entries of key players like Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan, Van Wells, Marvin Ham II, and Caleb Fauria.

 

Sanders’ Aggressive Roster Overhaul

In 2023, Sanders undertook a massive overhaul of the roster, incorporating 69 new scholarship athletes out of the allowed 85, with 57 joining the post-spring practice. Despite these efforts, weaknesses in the offensive and defensive lines were evident and contributed to the team’s struggles. The NCAAF offseason will likely see more changes as Sanders has indicated a focus on roster upgrades, particularly through transfers.

Colorado currently holds nine commitments for the 2024 class, ranking 65th nationally according to 247Sports Composite. However, there are no commitments for the 2025 class. The departure of Nick Williams, a key recruiter for many of these commitments, could significantly impact future recruiting efforts. With the transfer portal window opening on December 4, the Buffaloes are expected to be active in seeking talent to address deficits in the team.

Despite the setbacks and changes, Sanders remains committed to enhancing the team’s performance, as evidenced by his recent statements. He acknowledges the need to fill gaps in the roster and is actively engaging with potential transfers to strengthen the team. It’ll be really interesting how NCAAF Odds evaluate Colorado in their second season under Sanders.

 

A Crucial Offseason for Colorado

The upcoming offseason is pivotal for Colorado football. The departures, coupled with recruiting uncertainties, present challenges that Sanders and his staff must navigate. How the Buffaloes address these issues will be crucial in shaping the team’s future and their ability to compete effectively in the challenging landscape of college football. Sanders’ proactive approach to recruiting and roster management will be key in steering Colorado towards a more successful path in the upcoming seasons.