With Deion Sanders signing a massive five-year, $54 million extension, the Buffs are proving that they’re willing to invest in winning. But beyond the base salary, the real money comes in the form of incentives—and Coach Prime stands to make millions more if Colorado delivers big-time results on the field.
Sanders’ new deal is packed with performance-based incentives that could push his earnings well beyond his $10.8 million annual salary. Let’s break them down:
$150,000 for nine regular season wins
$100,000 for each additional win after nine
Conference and Bowl Game Incentives
$150,000 for making the Big 12 Championship Game
$150,000 for any non-College Football Playoff bowl game invite
$400,000 for winning the Big 12 or making the College Football Playoff Round One
Bonus kicker: If CU wins Round One, he gets an extra $50,000
$450,000 if CU wins the Big 12 and gets a first-round bye in the CFP
$100,000 for making the CFP Semifinals
$200,000 for making the National Championship Game
$250,000 for winning the National Championship
$75,000 if he’s named Big 12 Coach of the Year
$150,000 if he wins National Coach of the Year
This contract isn’t just about rewarding success—it’s about incentivizing Colorado to reach the next level. The message is clear: winning pays, and if Sanders can lead CU to Big 12 titles and playoff appearances, he’ll be the highest-paid coach in college football history.
With a loaded roster, Prime’s elite recruiting, and the Big 12 wide open, these bonuses might not be as far-fetched as they seem. If Colorado starts stacking wins, expect Sanders to cash in—and CU to climb back to national prominence.