Colorado faces potential $25.5 million buyout if school fires Deion Sanders

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders enters the 2026 season under pressure following a 3-9 campaign last year. The program previously signed Sanders to a five-year, $54 million extension through 2029 after a successful nine-win season in 2024. If the university decides to fire him before the end of 2026, the school would owe 75 percent of his remaining base salary. This financial commitment equates to $25.5 million in the current cycle. While the buyout figure decreases to $17.25 million if he is fired in 2027, the current price remains significant for the Buffaloes. Sanders currently holds a 16-21 record during his tenure at Colorado, including a 9-18 mark in Big 12 play.

• 7:10 AMYahoo Sports — Deion Sanders' buyout details: Here's how much it will cost Colorado to fire head coach