There are plenty of reasons not to like Deion Sanders. The Colorado coach has always been a self promoter, is still a bit brazen even in his older days and, well, has been right concerning just about everything he claimed he would do at Colorado. That doesn’t mean he’s worth more than Tennessee Football coach Josh Heupel, though.
Sanders recently signed a five-year contract extension worth $54-million. I’m not great at math, but that has the former superstar cornerback at just over $10-million per season. By comparison, UT coach Josh Heupel is making over just about $9-million per season. Why is Sanders making more than Heupel? There are a couple of reasons.
Surely some of Sanders’ pay is earmarked for him to promote Colorado’s program. That’s not a necessity at Tennessee. If you win in orange, no self-promotion is necessary.
Heupel’s career record at Tennessee and Central Florida is 65-23. Sanders has gone 40-18 during his career at Colorado and Jackson State. However, all records are not created equal. There’s no question that Heupel has played better competition. Moreover, most would believe that Heupel is simply a better coach than Sanders, although I’m sure that would be up for debate.
Sanders has exceeded my expectations. He went from 4-8 to 9-4 last season. I wasn’t sure that Colorado would even be respectable under Sanders. I was clearly wrong about that. However, I’d still take Heupel. But if I’m Colorado, I’d do anything to keep Sanders in Boulder. Sanders simply has more leverage than Heupel even if he’s not a better coach.
First, I feel like it’s just a matter of time until Sanders moves onto the NFL, which will likely have Colorado return to the trash heap. Heupel seems like a coach that will stay around as long as the Vols want him.
I’m also not sure how Sanders will manage without his son, Shedeur Sanders, and his Heisman Trophy protege, Travis Hunter. Both are off to the NFL. Those are two pretty impactful players.
Tennessee’s 2025 class ranked 11th in the nation. Colorado ranked 37th. When it comes to depth of a roster, the Vols have the Buffalos beat and it’s not close.
If I’m Heupel, I’m asking for a raise. He’s not a flash in the pan. He, his staff and his potential prospects need to know as much.
