Things continue to spiral for Deion Sanders after a difficult season with the Colorado Buffaloes. Coach Prime hasn’t had the best year, losing nearly every game in conference play (1–5 in the Big 12). The Buffaloes fought hard to stay in bowl contention, but a 29–22 loss to West Virginia officially ended those hopes. The disappointing campaign has put Sanders’ job under scrutiny, as recent polls placed him among the lowest-ranked coaches in the country.

According to the odds result released by the CFB home on X, Colorado’s head coach, Deion Sanders, is ranked 131st among the 136 college football coaches. This keeps him in the sixth-worst position to get fired next, with +475 odds, after his worst season. 

According to the report, five coaches currently sit below Deion Sanders in the rankings. Leading the list is Florida State’s Mike Norvell (-200), next is Maryland’s Mike Locksley (+100). South Carolina’s Shane Beamer (+300) follows closely, facing growing criticism amid a tough 1-6 SEC record and the recent firing of offensive coordinator Mike Shula. In the fourth-worst spot sits Michigan State’s Jonathan Smith (+350), and just above Sanders is Boston College’s Bill O’Brien (+450), whose squad has managed only a single win (1-9) and continues to struggle without a conference victory.

Although Sander’s job is billed to be at risk, Colorado’s AD Rick George looks to back the Coach Prime, making a public statement on Friday, “I support Coach Prime 100%.” The comment came amid growing chatter around Sanders’ position at Folsom Field, where the Buffaloes have faced an uneven season. Despite the noise, the university’s leadership appears unwilling to make any sudden moves. During the offseason, Colorado reaffirmed its commitment by extending Sanders’ contract through 2029, a five-year deal worth $54 million. The agreement includes a range of performance-based incentives, reflecting the program’s high expectations.

Sanders can earn $450,000 for a New Year’s Six Bowl appearance and $750,000 for winning a national championship. Additional payouts are tied to benchmarks like conference titles, six-win seasons, and Big 12 Championship berths, which seems like a far-fetched dream this season. Recognition off the field is also rewarded. Sanders would receive $150,000 if named National Coach of the Year, $75,000 for Big 12 Coach of the Year, and $50,000 if Colorado’s Academic Progress Rate reaches 965 or higher. But given the team’s current record, many of these bonuses may remain out of reach this season.

Sanders has the 20th-highest buyout among FBS coaches. Parting ways with him without cause as of December 1 would cost the university roughly $33.625 million. With that being said, we take a look at who the five coaches are at the worst spot than Sanders.

Deion Sanders’ Colorado Missed Bowl Eligibility

On Saturday, Colorado had their last hope for bowl game eligibility, facing the West Virginia Mountaineers. Comparing the last two blowout losses (52-17 to Arizona last week and 53-7 to Utah), the Buffaloes had a much better game; however, it wasn’t enough for them to come out with a victory. Colorado lost to the Mountaineers by 29-22, marking their 7th loss this season.

It means that the Buffaloes, led by Deion Sanders, won’t be eligible for a bowl game. By securing the win, West Virginia keeps its bowl eligibility alive, and the remaining game will decide its eligibility. 

The latest loss marks Sanders’ second losing season in the three years with the Colorado Buffaloes. His best season came last year, when Colorado went 9-4. This made the Buffaloes sign a five-year contract extension for $54 million through 2029. Although AD still believes in Prime Time, Colorado at least has to win the remaining games to not make the campaign even worse.