The coaching market has become dynamic in recent years. So, looking for a replacement has become ever more important for college football programs. With this in mind, The Athletic released a list of coaching successors that Power 4 programs could have in 2030. The most eye-catching name was Kenny Guiton, the former Ohio State quarterback under Urban Meyer, who is being backed as a potential successor to Deion Sanders in Boulder.

The list, compiled by The Athletic’s Ralph D. Russo, may have been subjective, but it certainly raised eyebrows. For instance, Russo projected current SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee as the potential successor to Dabo Swinney in 2030. With that context, the Coach Prime-Kenny Guiton connection does not seem entirely far-fetched. The current Arkansas quarterbacks coach is viewed by Russo as someone who could eventually take over in Boulder. The main reason is the Urban Meyer connection between Guiton and Colorado.

“Good luck forecasting when and how Sanders’ time in Boulder will end. Colorado has a new AD in Fernando Lovo, who has strong ties to Urban Meyer. Guiton, who played for Meyer at Ohio State, is a well-thought-of young coach,” wrote Russo when explaining why Guiton could be a future head coach candidate at Colorado.

Lovo and Meyer share a long history. It dates back to Lovo’s time on Meyer’s staff during his coaching career. They worked together at Florida, Ohio State, and later with the Jacksonville Jaguars. That connection is clear, which is why the idea of Guiton eventually replacing Sanders does not seem unrealistic. That’s because, just like Lovo, Meyer has ties to Guiton.

Guiton was mentored by Urban Meyer during his playing days at Ohio State. The former Buckeye quarterback played under Meyer in 2012 and 2013. As a backup, Guiton steadily built his reputation and exceeded expectations, earning public praise from Meyer.

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“He’s done a 180,” Meyer said. “I’m proud to say that guy’s great to be around. He’s very serious about school, very serious about himself. I enjoy being around Kenny Guiton. I think he’s got talent.”

Over his three seasons at Ohio State, Guiton posted a 66.4 percent completion rate, throwing for 893 yards, 16 touchdowns, and four interceptions. However, his playing career did not last long. After finishing his collegiate career, Guiton spent time with the Buffalo Bills before retiring. He began his coaching career the following year as a graduate assistant at Houston. What followed were coaching stints at Louisiana Tech, Colorado State, and Arkansas before joining Wisconsin as wide receivers coach in 2024.

One season later, Guiton transitioned into the role of quarterbacks coach. This was his first stint coaching the position. However, 2025 was an injury-struck season at the quarterback position. Both Billy Edwards Jr. and Danny O’Neil saw less time as they were sidelined. That left Guiton working with true freshman Carter Smith and senior Hunter Simmons. The instability at the position contributed to Arkansas finishing 14th in the Big Ten.

But this could just be the beginning for Guiton, who is widely regarded as a rising coach. If he continues to develop and refine his craft, it would not be surprising to see Colorado consider him in the future. Amid all of this, however, one question remains: what does Deion Sanders think about talk of a successor?

2026 could decide Deion Sanders’ fate at Colorado

Kenny Guiton getting linked to Colorado is not necessarily a worrying sign. After all, it is only a prediction list. However, what makes this concerning for Sanders is the fact that Colorado went through a disastrous 2023 and 2025 season. The Buffaloes have gone through an inconsistent phase ever since Sanders took over in 2023. That season ended in a 4-8 record in the Pac-12.

The next season was crucial as Colorado made the move from the Pac-12 to the Big 12. And Colorado and Sanders made headlines with a 9-4 season that gave fans and analysts a lot of promise. However, last season went in the opposite direction, with the Buffaloes finishing 3-9. Now, with 2026 approaching and Sanders implementing major changes within the program, a lot of eyes are on where Colorado finishes.

If another disappointing season follows and Guiton continues to rise as a coach, then Russo’s prediction list may come true earlier than expected.