If there’s one thing that describes Deion Sanders’ leadership, it is his commitment to relationships. Whether in his personal life or with the Colorado family, he has always emphasized the importance of maintaining close ties with those around him. “Relationships are everything,” he stresses (per Harvard Business School). “I need to really know my players and coaches so I can understand how best to reach them.” However, for the betterment of the roster, Coach Prime had to slightly deviate from this rule.

On Wednesday, USA Today reported that offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur is no longer the playcaller, having been demoted to quarterbacks coach since the loss to Utah. Tight ends coach Brett Bartolone has been making the calls since then.  Although according to the report, the insider wished to remain anonymous, didn’t Sanders already hint at it last week? “I might have already changed it, and you don’t know,” he had told the press. “I don’t do stuff and blow the whistles and make major announcements.”

After Sheduer Sander and Travis Hunter left for the pro league, Boulder’s QB room is still not settled yet. Sanders played three quarterbacks for the first three games. Over the season, Boulder saw two incoming QBs in experienced Kaidon Salter and freshman Julian Lewis. Redshirt freshman Ryan Staub was also in the mix. Leadership and consistency are what he was looking for.

Salter, with his dual-threat talent, fizzled out against Georgia Tech over inconsistencies and turnovers, 20-27. During the second possession in the first quarter, Salter led three incomplete plays and had to punt on fourth down. Critics argued Shurmur wasn’t aggressive enough, going for ‘kill shots’, as Locked on Buffs’ Kevin Borba voiced.

In the next game, Deion Sanders played all three QBs against Delaware, with Staub throwing two touchdown passes, ultimately winning the starting gig against Houston.

However, with his inconsistent performances and two interceptions, the starting gig returned to Kaidon Salter, who held the starting position for the next few games.

Offensive woes persist for Colorado

Even with a stable QB1 stretch, Shurmur’s offense failed to make explosive plays. Against BYU, the run game was finding success in the first quarter. Both scores in the first quarter were rushed TDs, but during the second half stretch, the run game was completely abandoned, resulting in a 21-24 loss.

Similar issues arose while facing off against Utah. By halftime, the Buffs were 0-43, with already -18 yards. Barely able to register 140 total yards, with 38 yards on the ground. Salter appeared confused on multiple occasions.

The first touchdown came in the fourth quarter, but it was not free of chaos. On 1st & goal, Staub appeared full on arguing with his offensive lineman whether to QB sneak or play out of shotgun, resulting in a timeout. At the end of the game, it was an obvious loss for the Buffs, 7-53.

Over the season, the Buffs have averaged 199.8 yards per game in aerial attack and 130 yards on the ground. Presently, Lewis has been declared the starting quarterback.

After the heartbreaking loss against the Utes, tight ends coach and passing coordinator Brett Bartlone has been calling plays.

Although this isn’t the first time, Deion Sanders has had to make such a bold decision. Coach Shurmur arrived at Boulder in the capacity of an offensive analyst in 2023. However, after the Buffs went 4-4 under the playcalling of Sean Lewis, Sanders took away the gig from Lewis and handed down the playcalling responsibilities to Shurmur, promoting as to co-offensive coordinator, recording a 9-4 record.