Colorado's Deion Sanders says he won't settle for mediocrity

BOULDER, Colo. — Deion Sanders strived for greatness throughout a Hall of Fame playing career, and he set similar goals as coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, despite the team's 1-11 season in 2022.

Sanders told ESPN on Friday that he doesn't cater his message to the team he inherited. Instead, he requires players to adjust to his expectations and demands.

«It's a whole different level of expectation around here, and you got to be able to play the game,» Sanders told ESPN. «So a certain level that might have been welcome, that level is no longer welcomed here. It's a whole different game now.»

Sanders, who went 27-6 at Jackson State, was hired in December to oversee a Colorado team that was coming off of its worst season since 2012 and has had only two winning seasons since 2005.

He has dramatically transformed the roster with transfers — including his son, Shedeur Sanders, and Travis Hunter from Jackson State — as well as recruits, such as Cormani McClain, ESPN's top-rated cornerback and No. 14 overall player in the 2023 class.

The 55-year-old Sanders has been very visible around town during his first two plus months on the job, visiting local restaurants and making appearances around campus, which is nestled beneath the Flatiron rock formations.

«This place is beautiful,» Sanders said. «And I'm pretty sure, with the lack of success, is people get complacent around here. They don't understand the beauty and the diamond you have, and they just walk around fulfilling obligations for a job, instead of being happy, enthusiastic and just proud to be in this position.»

At his first team meeting, Sanders said change would be coming to the Buffaloes. He said he'd bring his «luggage» — several key transfers from Jackson State — and