Despite being named Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year during his tumultuous inaugural season with the Buffaloes, Deion Sanders finds himself navigating through a series of challenges as his team undergoes significant changes. One notable setback involves the anticipated departure of Nick Williams, the defensive ends coach, and a key recruiter responsible for securing commitments from several top-rated prospects. 

Williams has played a pivotal role in attracting commitments from three of Colorado’s top four prospects, making his impending departure a considerable loss for the program. The coaching staff shake-up comes at a time when Sanders has already faced the disappointment of three high-level recruits de-committing from the team. However, there is another name that has joined the list only recently. 

Darian Hagan departs from Colorado Buffaloes 

Colorado Buffaloes legend Darian Hagan, synonymous with the program’s glory days, is embarking on a new coaching journey. Sources indicate that Hagan has accepted an offer to become the running backs coach at San Diego State, joining the staff under former Buffs offensive coordinator Sean Lewis.

Hagan’s association with the Buffaloes spans over 12 years, divided into two distinct coaching stints (2006-2010 and 2016-2022). Notably, he quarterbacked the Buffs to their only national title in 1990, solidifying his place as a revered figure in CU history.

Despite a transition into an ambassadorial role under Head Coach Deion Sanders when Sanders took the helm a year ago, Hagan expressed a desire to return to an active coaching position. His move to San Diego State provides him with the opportunity to do just that, rejoining Lewis, who previously served as the Buffs’ offensive coordinator and was recently appointed as San Diego State’s head coach.

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Defensive ends coach Nick Williams is reportedly set to leave the team for a coaching opportunity elsewhere, marking the third coaching departure since the conclusion of the team’s season. This follows the resignations of tight ends coach Tim Brewster and offensive coordinator Sean Lewis, who assumed the head coaching role at San Diego State.

The coaching changes are part of a broader shake-up for the Buffaloes, with the program experiencing a turbulent offseason. Alongside coaching transitions, the team has witnessed significant player movement, with five recruits from the Classes of 2024 and 2025 de-committing. Additionally, four players—left tackle Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan, center Van Wells, linebacker Marvin Ham II, and tight end Caleb Fauria—have announced their intentions to enter the transfer portal. The Buffaloes, under Coach Prime’s leadership, are navigating a period of transition as they work to build a competitive and cohesive team for future seasons.

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