League: NCAAF Sport: College Sports Country: United States Category: Transactions

Deion Sanders reflects on coaching challenges in NIL era at Big 12 Media Days

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 7, 2026, 11:16 PM

Last updated Jul 7, 2026

Deion Sanders reflects on coaching challenges in NIL era at Big 12 Media Days

Summary

Deion Sanders spoke at Big 12 Media Days about his experiences as Colorado's head coach since 2023, emphasizing the need for patience amid the changes brought by NIL and the transfer portal. He highlighted the importance of adapting to these developments, asserting that while athletes should be compensated, the current situation feels more like a pay-per-view model than genuine NIL. As he prepares for his fourth season, Sanders acknowledges the shifting dynamics in college football and the challenge of balancing financial interests with the passion for the game.

Source Links

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Key Details

•Sanders took over Colorado in 2023, reshaping the roster through the transfer portal.
•He learned the value of patience while adapting to the current college football environment.
•NIL conditions have changed significantly, with a revenue-share cap of $21.3 million introduced in 2026.
•Sanders criticizes the focus on monetary aspects over traditional college football values.

Latest Updates

11:16 PMYahoo Sports — Deion Sanders on coaching in the NIL era: ‘It’s taught me tremendous patience’

What they're saying

"
When Deion Sanders took over at Colorado in 2023, the program became the talk of college football in the NIL and transfer portal era. Coach Prime overhauled the roster through the portal, headlined by top names in Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. As he navigated the ever-changing landscape, Sanders said he learned some lessons. The […]
— Yahoo Sports

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