Is Coach Prime the next Nick Saban? Colorado’s $10 Million bargain

When an analyst calls Deion Sanders "the closest thing to Nick Saban," it’s bound to stir up debate. Sanders has undoubtedly changed the energy at Colorado, but does that put him in the same conversation as the greatest college coach of all time?

There’s no denying the aura Coach Prime brings to a program. Walk into a room, and he owns it. Step onto the field, and the cameras follow. His arrival in Boulder didn’t just flip a roster—it flipped the perception of Colorado football overnight. The Buffaloes went from a 1-11 embarrassment in 2022 (yikes, I was cut from this team) to one of the most talked-about teams in the country. Their 9-4 finish in 2024, highlighted by a signature win over Texas Tech and Baylor and a bowl appearance, proved that this wasn't just hype.

Financially, is Colorado is getting a steal? Despite a $10 million salary in 2025, Sanders’ impact on the university’s bottom line is massive. Ticket sales, donations, merchandise—everything has skyrocketed. CU went from struggling for relevance to selling out games and pulling in record TV ratings. Student applications are up, and national recruits now consider Boulder a legitimate destination.

But here’s where the Saban comparison falters. Sanders' coaching resume is still young—so let's pump the brakes. Saban built dynasties with sustained success, dominating for over a decade. Coach Prime is a cultural force, no doubt, but he has yet to establish a winning legacy at the highest level.

Still, for Colorado, this is the best investment they’ve ever made. Whether Sanders is the next Saban or just the one-of-one Prime, the Buffs are better for having him.