Deion Sanders' Next NFL Hire? Former Teammate Champ Bailey Visits Colorado Buffaloes

NFL Hall of Fame cornerback Champ Bailey recently sparked buzz after he visited Boulder, Colorado, where his son, Brayden, accompanied him. Colorado Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders offered recruit Brayden Bailey. Is Champ Bailey Sanders' next NFL hire?

Apr 4, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders speaks to the media at the University of Colorado NFL Showcase at the CU Indoor Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ciaglo-Imagn Images / Michael Ciaglo-Imagn Images

NFL Hall of Fame cornerback Champ Bailey recently sparked buzz after he visited Boulder, Colorado, where his son, Brayden, accompanied him. After the Baileys attended the Colorado Buffaloes Pro Day on Friday and spring football practice on Saturday, the younger Bailey shared on social media that he received his first college offer from Colorado.

Brayden Bailey is a recruit from the class of 2028, a cornerback/wide receiver at Holy Innocents Episcopal in Atlanta, Georgia.

With the strong bond between Colorado coach Deion Sanders and Champ, it wouldn't be unreasonable to consider that Bailey could follow in the footsteps of several former NFL players already on "Coach Prime’s" staff.

"Coach Prime" has already proven his fondness for coaches with professional football experience, evidenced by his recent hires of former NFL quarterback Byron Leftwich and fellow NFL Hall of Famer running back Marshall Faulk.

Before the 2024 season, Sanders also hired Hall of Fame defensive tackle Warren Sapp and welcomed him to his first coaching job.

Nov 23, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Colorado coach Warren Sapp motivates Colorado wide receiver LaJohntay Wester (10) prior to the game between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Colorado Buffaloes at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images / Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images

Sanders has been open about his views on the rapidly changing Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) landscape in college football. Rather than chasing quick paydays, he's focused on helping players build sustainable careers and develop into professionals—on and off the field.

Sanders has made it clear that his program isn’t about handing out a bag of cash.

His message to recruits? If you're coming to Colorado, it's because you’re serious about your future in football and life.

"We're not an ATM," Sanders said. "You're not coming here to get rich unless you're really coming here with a plan to go to the NFL and get your degree." ​

In today’s college football landscape, where NIL deals dominate the conversation, Sanders' philosophy stands out.

He’s built a coaching staff full of NFL experience, not for flash, but to offer players real insight from those who’ve lived it.

Rather than stacking his staff with recognizable names for publicity, "Coach Prime" is building what feels more like a direct path to the NFL.

Apr 4, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders speaks to the media at the University of Colorado NFL Showcase at the CU Indoor Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ciaglo-Imagn Images / Michael Ciaglo-Imagn Images

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This NFL-heavy environment provides young players with mentors who understand what it takes to succeed and offers a future-focused alternative to the transactional chaos defining modern recruiting.

"Coach Prime" has also intentionally cultivated a culture rooted in family, which is reflected in his roster. This includes players like wide receiver Kaleb Mathis, whose father, Kevin Mathis, coaches the Buffs' defensive backs.

Additionally, "Coach Prime" had multiple sets of brothers on the team last season, along with his sons, Shedeur and Shilo Sanders. Sanders also became a father figure to players like former Colorado receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. and Heisman Trophy-winner Travis Hunter.

Champ Bailey and Sanders first built their connection as NFL teammates for the Washington franchise. At the time, Sanders was wrapping up his NFL career while Bailey was entering the league as a promising young cornerback.

Aug 3, 2019; Canton, OH, USA; Champ Bailey poses with bust during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

During that season, the two executed a creatively designed reverse punt return, solidifying their bond and symbolizing a passing of the torch between two future Hall of Fame cornerbacks.

During their legendary careers, "Coach Prime" and Champ Bailey combined for 105 interceptions and 271 pass breakups, further cementing their status as two of the most formidable defenders in NFL history.

If Brayden Bailey chooses Colorado, it might not just signal a top prospect committing. It could hint at another NFL legend joining the Buffaloes’ movement—one that’s redefining what college football can be.

And who knows what kind of game-changing strategies they could bring to Boulder as coaches.

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