Colorado AD Rick George is stepping down at the end of this academic year. But before he exits, he made clear his - and the university's - stance on Deion Sanders hasn't wavered.
George's decision to step down brought forth a new wave of rumors about the future of Coach Prime in Boulder. Sanders has maintained his commitment to Colorado - at least publicly - and the outgoing Colorado Athletic Director squashed any rumors about Sanders' job security in the midst of a disappointing 3-7 year three for Coach Prime.
The seat is not hot. We believe in what is ahead for this program. https://t.co/ZJqGgDiTYY
— Rick George (@RickGeorgeCU) November 18, 2025
George's message on social media was in response to a fan who was responding to what Sanders said on Tuesday during his weekly press conference.
"Please understand, if anyone is built for adversity, I am," Sanders said. ..."You’ got the right man. I promise you, you do. And I’m going to prove that to you. Just give me an opportunity and a little more time, and I’m going to prove that to you.”
Deion Sanders is not on the hot seat according to Colorado AD Rick George
Coach Prime came into this season the furthest thing from the hot seat. He signed a five-year, $54 million contract extension in the offseason after a breakthrough second season with the Buffaloes. After taking over a 1-11 program and going 4-8 in year one, Sanders led Colorado to a 9-4 record in 2024 and a berth in the Alamo Bowl.
A step back wasn't unexpected this season with so many personnel losses, including Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and QB Shedeur Sanders, but the level at which Colorado has fallen raised eyebrows and brought forth uncomfortable questions about Coach Prime's ability to win without his stars.
Following an upset win over then-No. 23 Iowa State to get to 3-4, Colorado came out of the bye week and got decimated in back-to-back weeks by Utah and Arizona by a cumulative score of 105-24. They lost a third straight game after that to West Virginia on the road, though only by seven points and with the promise of a brighter tomorrow thanks to freshman QB Julian Lewis making his first start.
At 3-7, the Buffs will miss a bowl game. They'll host Arizona State this weekend before finishing up on the road against Kansas State. 3-9 is a distinct possibility, though all that really matters over the last couple of weeks is the development of Lewis.
Lewis can lead this program to a significant bounce back next season. Sanders will hitch his wagon to Lewis in hopes that this year turns out to be an aberration and Colorado can get back on the path that Coach Prime led them to before this season's derailment.