One of the main reasons Deion Sanders came to Colorado nearly three years ago was his trust and belief in athletic director Rick George.
As CU begins the transition to a new athletic director, Sanders is confident George’s replacement will be strong, as well.
George, 65, announced last week he will step down at the end of the school year and take on a lesser role at CU, although he’ll still be involved with football.
“I love Rick to life,” Sanders said Tuesday ahead of Saturday’s matchup at Folsom Field with Arizona State (6 p.m., ESPN2). “I don’t feel like I’m losing him because I feel like he’s still going to be a part of the program. … He’s going to still help the program. I love him. I mean, I wouldn’t be here without him.
“I’m pretty sure we’re going to be in good hands. They’ve already started the search and they already started some wonderful things, so I’m pretty sure what I know from the persons I’m in contact with here, they’re going to make a great selection. So I don’t doubt that by any means.”
Dating back to the interview process in the fall of 2022, Sanders has had a strong relationship with George and said it’ll be important to have a good relationship with the next AD, as well.
“I think it’s proper. I’ve never had it any other way,” Sanders said. “When I was at Jackson State, (AD) Ashley Robinson was my guy. He’s still my guy. … Rick is always going to be my guy. That’s apparent, because you’re like hand-in-hand.
“You don’t want anybody to come in here that you’re at odds with. I’m not at odds with anybody. I’m not built like that to just be messy and nasty and hateful.”
Asked how much he would like to be involved in the search for an athletic director, Sanders said, “I want to coach football to win football games. That’s what I want to do. I could be involved as much as they want me to. I’m not that kind of guy that I gotta have say. I’m not built like that, contrary to what anybody would think.
“I love this game, I love these young men, and I just want this program to be the best it could be. I’m pretty sure they’re gonna make a wise decision. We have a chancellor (Justin Schwartz) and a president (Todd Saliman) that’s on their game. They know what they’re doing.”
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Proud dad
Sanders was sitting alone in his office Sunday watching the Cleveland Browns play the Baltimore Ravens when his son and former CU quarterback Shedeur Sanders entered the game, making his NFL debut.
“I told him this past week that he was gonna play. It was gonna be one way or another,” Sanders said. “I was happy for him, just getting the opportunity and running on that field because I know the fight behind the fight.”
Shedeur struggled in his first action not only in the league but with the Browns’ first-team offense, going 4-for-16 for 47 yards and interception. With Dillon Gabriel out this week with a concussion, Shedeur is expected to make his first start as the Browns visit the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.
Coach Prime was noncommittal about attending the game.
“I don’t know,” he said. “I haven’t made that decision as yet. I’m so focused on what we have in hand. I’m not thinking about that, although I just got off the phone with him a minute ago. But I’m really focused on what we have in hand.”
Notable
Safety Ben Finneseth, listed as a fifth-year senior, revealed Tuesday that he is coming back next year for a sixth season. Finneseth redshirted in 2021, but suffered a season-ending injury early in 2023 and will get a medical redshirt year. … CU has dealt with a lot of injuries this year, but could have more depth this week coming off a bye week. “Some of those guys should make it back this week,” he said. “Some of those guys may not.”
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