Annie Bazemore
What's next for Colorado after three of Deion Sanders' coaches exit
Just because the season is over for the Colorado Buffaloes doesn’t mean we can’t start prepping for 2024. The real question is where do they start? There are so many pieces needed for this team to be successful. The offensive line needs an overhaul, the secondary needs some adjustments, and even a tight end or two.
Let’s be honest, coaching has been another glaring problem for the Buffaloes. We saw it first hand when we witnessed a coaching change midseason with Pat Shurmur taking over the reins as offensive coordinator with play-calling duties. The same could be said for the defensive side of the ball. The Buffs gave up 34.8 points a game. Not only that, but they gave up the fifth-most yards in all of college football. There’s reason to believe that some more changes on the staff need to happen. Nick Williams leaving Boulder is going to be one that hurts. The defensive ends coach and Buffs top recruiter was key for the core of the defense.
Hall of Fame player, Warren Sapp, will be joining Colorado as they look to improve on the defensive line. If Sapp can help find new ways to get the quarterback, the defense could be in for a special year, But, that’s only if they can manage to work within Charles Kelly’s framework.
There’s a candidate out there who would be perfect to help this team and its defensive struggles as an analyst. Todd Bowles. The current Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach could be the missing piece in Boulder. Bowles is riding the hot seat down in Tampa and he could likely be on his way out. If that were to happen, Coach Prime needs to jump at the opportunity as fast as he can.
Bowles has had much better success as a defensive coordinator than as a head coach. In the five seasons where he was appointed defensive coordinator he has a record of 52-29. In his three years as Tampa Bay’s defensive coordinator the team ranked in the Top 5 in run defense while being in the top 10 in interceptions. This defense has just what Todd Bowles likes, hybrid corners he can move around for his blitz packages. The blitz-happy coach would benefit from the move as well as it would give him a fresh start outside of the NFL where the pressure isn’t as high. A team who gives an insurmountable amount of yards would help with Bowles “bend-don't-break” style of play calling.
Shilo Sanders and others would thrive with Bowles’ expertise. The team is looking for a fresh start and it begins with the coaches. Build a great supportive coaching staff and the players will follow. Time will tell but this could be a marriage in the making.
