Colorado’s Quarterback Search: Life After Shedeur Sanders
In a surprising turn of events for Colorado football, head coach Deion Sanders finds himself navigating unfamiliar territory – leading a team without his son Shedeur as quarterback. For the first time in nearly a decade, the father-son duo that dominated sidelines from Trinity Christian School in Texas to Jackson State and finally Colorado, has separated. While Shedeur pursues his NFL dreams with the Cleveland Browns, Coach Prime faces the challenging task of finding stability at quarterback for his 1-2 Buffaloes team.
The quarterback carousel in Boulder continues to spin as reports indicate Kaidon Salter will reclaim the starting role this week after previously losing it to Ryan Staub. This marks the third change at the position in just four games, highlighting Coach Sanders’ struggle to find Shedeur’s replacement. Staub’s recent performance against Houston resulted in a 36-20 loss where he threw two interceptions, prompting the coaching staff to revisit their options. Salter, who started the first two games with a 1-1 record, compiled modest numbers with 261 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions during his stint under center. The Buffaloes have even given freshman Julian Lewis playing time, showcasing all three quarterbacks in their lone victory against Delaware.
The quarterback dilemma represents more than just a personnel decision – it signifies a profound shift in Coach Sanders’ approach to football leadership. Throughout his coaching career, Deion has had the luxury of trusting his son with the offensive reins. Their unique relationship transcended typical coach-player dynamics, offering a level of communication and understanding that can’t be easily replicated. From serving as offensive coordinator during Shedeur’s high school years to coaching him through two successful seasons at Jackson State before their high-profile move to Colorado, Deion has always had his most trusted lieutenant handling the ball on every offensive snap.
This season marks uncharted waters for both Sanders men. While Coach Prime experiments with different signal-callers in Boulder, Shedeur finds himself in an equally unfamiliar position with the Cleveland Browns, where he currently sits third on the depth chart behind veterans Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel. The separation has forced both to adapt to new realities – Deion must develop trust with quarterbacks who didn’t grow up under his roof, while Shedeur must navigate the NFL landscape without his father’s immediate guidance on the sideline. The adjustment period has proven challenging for both, as evidenced by Colorado’s early-season struggles and Shedeur’s position on the Browns’ roster.
For Colorado fans, the quarterback uncertainty represents the most visible growing pain in the program’s second year under Sanders’ leadership. Last season, the Buffaloes became one of college football’s biggest stories, with Shedeur orchestrating dramatic victories that captivated national attention. His command of the offense provided stability amid the massive roster overhaul that characterized Coach Prime’s arrival in Boulder. Without that steadying presence, Colorado’s offense has appeared disjointed, struggling to establish rhythm with rotating quarterbacks. The situation underscores how critical the quarterback position is to Sanders’ coaching philosophy and how deeply intertwined his coaching identity had become with his son’s performance.
Looking ahead, Coach Sanders faces a critical juncture in his Colorado tenure. His ability to develop a quarterback solution – whether by settling on one starter or crafting a system that maximizes the talents of multiple players – will likely determine the Buffaloes’ fate this season. Meanwhile, Shedeur’s NFL journey has just begun, and his development with the Browns will continue regardless of his initial depth chart position. What remains clear is that both Sanders men are experiencing a significant transition period, learning to succeed independently after years of shared football experiences. How they navigate these new challenges will write the next chapter in their intertwined football legacies, demonstrating whether their previous success was primarily built on their unique relationship or if each possesses the adaptability to thrive in their separate football environments.
