Deion Sanders has secured his future at the University of Colorado, signing a lucrative five-year, $54 million contract extension that cements his status as one of the highest-paid coaches in college football.
Here are five things to know:
1. Historic Pay Raise
Sanders’ new contract makes him the highest-paid coach in the Big 12 and one of the top 10 highest-paid football coaches nationwide. His salary breakdown is as follows: $10 million in 2025 and 2026; $11 million in 2027 and 2028; and $12 million in 2029, ESPN reported.
This is a major jump from his initial five-year, $29.5 million deal with Colorado.
2. A Team Turnaround
Since arriving at Colorado in 2023, Sanders has transformed the Colorado Buffaloes from a struggling 1-11 team into a winning program. In just two seasons, he has led the team to 13 victories, including a 9-4 record last season and a bowl game appearance–the Alamo Bowl.
3. Sanders’ Economic And Enrollment Impact
Sanders’ presence has brought a surge in interest and revenue for Colorado. The university saw a 20 percent increase in applications, with a 50.5 percent increase in African American applicants. Home football games in 2024 generated $93.9 million in direct economic impact for Boulder and $146.5 million regionally. The Buffaloes’ games attracted over 54 million viewers, making them one of the most-watched teams in college football. Ticket sales jumped to $31.2 million in Sanders’ first season, more than doubling the previous year’s total of $13 million, The Guardian reported.
4. Buyout Clause And Incentives
Should Sanders leave for another coaching position, his buyout starts at $12 million in 2025, decreasing to $3 million in the final year. The contract also includes performance-based incentives, including $150,000 for nine regular-season wins; $150,000 for a Big 12 Championship Game appearance; $400,000 for a college football playoff appearance; and $250,000 for a national championship win.
5. What’s Next?
Sanders has recruited top talent, including Alabama transfer Jaheim Oatis and five-star quarterback Julian “JuJu” Lewis.
