Colorado
Deion Sanders’ staff replacements should start by promoting from within at Colorado
Deion Sanders faces a pivotal period in the coming months, with decisions that could shape the future of Colorado football. From evaluating player movements to navigating staff changes and addressing persistent rumors about his own career trajectory, Sanders’ leadership will be under scrutiny. This offseason presents not just challenges, but opportunities to reinforce the foundation he’s been building in Boulder.
A significant focus lies in determining where key players like Shedeur Sanders, Shilo Sanders, Travis Hunter, and Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig will continue their football journeys at the next level. The decisions other players make—whether to declare for the NFL Draft, transfer, or return for another season—will heavily influence the program’s outlook for 2025. Equally important will be Sanders’ approach to the transfer portal, both in terms of retaining talent and attracting new additions to strengthen the roster.
One of the more immediate developments has been the departure of offensive line coach Phil Loadholt and defensive ends coach Vincent Dancy to Mississippi State. While losing these two coaches may seem like a setback, Sanders has consistently framed such moves as a sign of success. He views his coaching staff as a launching pad, where talented assistants earn opportunities for advancement. This philosophy underscores his belief in cultivating leadership within his program, and he openly welcomes the prospect of his coaches progressing to larger roles.
However, not all coaching departures are created equal. While Loadholt and Dancy’s exits are notable, the potential loss of defensive coordinator Robert Livingston looms larger. Sanders has openly acknowledged Livingston’s value and expects that his success will draw interest from other programs. If Livingston departs, Sanders’ response will likely mirror his usual refrain—embracing the cycle of growth and promotion.
Yet, the most intriguing coaching figure in Boulder might not even hold an official title beyond Graduate Assistant: Warren Sapp. The Hall of Fame defensive tackle has quickly become a vital presence on the coaching staff, embodying both the energy and experience that resonate deeply with players. His influence on Colorado’s defensive front cannot be overstated, with Sapp helping to instill a mentality of aggression and dominance that paid dividends in the Buffs’ improved defensive performances.
Sapp’s mantra, “Earn the right to rush the QB,” became a guiding principle for the defensive line, contributing to a noticeable reduction in opponents’ rushing yards. The correlation between Colorado’s ability to stifle the run and their overall competitiveness was clear. When opposing running backs were held in check, the Buffs had a chance to win. Conversely, games where the run defense faltered—like against Nebraska and Kansas—exposed vulnerabilities that ultimately cost Colorado victories.
Sapp’s presence extends beyond schematics. His charisma and stature as a football legend command attention and respect from players. Many of Colorado’s defensive linemen gravitate towards him, eager to absorb his knowledge and motivated by his relentless energy. This dynamic between Sapp and defensive line coach Damione Lewis has created a complementary coaching tandem, blending Lewis’ authoritative leadership with Sapp’s infectious enthusiasm.
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The departure of Dancy creates a natural opening for Sapp to step into a more formal role. Promoting Sapp to defensive ends coach would not only reward his contributions but also ensure continuity in the defensive front’s development. Such a move could help stabilize the program during an offseason likely to be filled with speculation about Sanders’ long-term future at Colorado.
In many ways, Sapp mirrors Sanders’ impact on the program. Both are larger-than-life figures whose influence transcends the X’s and O’s. Just as Sanders’ celebrity status draws recruits and energizes the fanbase, Sapp’s reputation as a fierce competitor and mentor resonates with players on the defensive side of the ball. The opportunity to learn from two Hall of Famers is a rare privilege that few college programs can offer.
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As Sanders navigates the next several months, securing Sapp’s place on the staff could provide a stabilizing force amid the whirlwind of offseason changes. It’s a move that aligns with Sanders’ broader philosophy—empowering those around him to lead, succeed, and eventually ascend. In doing so, Sanders not only strengthens Colorado’s immediate prospects but also solidifies the long-term vision for the program, ensuring that the Buffaloes remain a force in college football for years to come.
Women’s Lacrosse
May 14, 2026
Final minute, full 2OT from Northwestern-Colorado lacrosse quarterfinal marathon
May 14, 2026
Watch the full regulation finish and both OT periods from Northwestern and Colorado’s battle in the quarterfinals of the 2026 NCAA women’s lacrosse tournament.
Watch: Fort Collins boys relay team sprinting to school records
The Fort Collins high school boys relay runners are sprinting to school records with their sights set on a team state championship this season.
LAKEWOOD — One of the most anticipated events in Colorado high school sports is back on the track.
The annual Colorado high school track and field state championship meet returns May 14-16 for the 2026 edition.
It kicks off May 14 as the Centennial State’s top leapers, runners, jumpers, sprinters, vaulters and throwers take over Lakewood’s JeffCo Stadium.
More than 100 Fort Collins-area athletes across four different classifications have qualified for the state meet.
Follow here for day one live state track & field updates from local athletes, plus some notable scores and results for Northern Colorado and statewide competitors.
This has the potential to be a massive state meet for the Fort Collins area.
Our top local sprinters and relay teams account for more than 40 top-two seeds in their events, while there are field contenders galore and several distance runners in the mix.
— Chris Abshire
It’s a busy year for Fort Collins-area athletes down at state track, with over 100 athletes qualifying from nine local schools.
Fort Collins High School leads the way with eighteen individual qualifiers and seven relay sqauds, but there’s plenty of representation across schools and events.
— Chris Abshire
Here are all the May 14 running finals at the 2026 Colorado state track & field championships:
- 8:20-8:35 a.m.: 5A boys/girls 3,200 meters
- 10:00-10:50 a.m.: 4A and 5A boys/girls 4×800 relays
- 11:00-11:30 a.m.: 4A/5A Special Olympics/Paralympics 100 dashes
- Noon: 4A/5A Special Olympics/Paralympic 200 dashes
- 2:20-2:45 p.m.: Special Olympics/Paralympic 3A/2A/1A 100 and 200 dashes
- 4:00-5:00 p.m.: 3A and 2A boys/girls 4×800 relays
- 5:00-5:35 p.m.: 1A boys/girls 3,200 meters
- 6:00-6:15 p.m.: 3A boys/girls 3200 meters
— Chris Abshire
Here are all the May 14 field finals at the 2026 Colorado state track & field championships:
8:30 A.M.
- 5A girls pole vault and discus
- 5A boys long jump
- 4A girls high jump and shot put
- 4A boys triple jump
11/11:30 A.M.
- 5A boys pole vault and discus
- 5A girls long jump
- 4A boys high jump and shot put
- 4A girls triple jump
1:30/2:00/2:30 P.M.
- 3A boys triple jump
- 3A girls pole vault and discus
- 2A boys high jump
- 2A girls long jump and shot put
4/5 P.M.
- 3A boys high jump
- 3A girls triple jump
- 1A girls pole vault and discus
- 1A boys long jump and shot put
— Chris Abshire
Since the calendar hit 2000, there have been many remarkable achievements from local athletes at the Colorado state track & field meet.
From throws domination to Ray Bozmans’ sprint sweep or multiple sister acts, here are 15 of the best Fort Collins-area performances in the new millennium.
Chris Abshire covers high school and community sports for the Coloradoan.
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Efforts are underway to bring more homes to Colorado Springs, just days after housing advocates pointed out some shortfalls. The Pikes Peak Housing Network says El Paso County has a housing deficit of between 13,000 and 27,000 homes right now. The organization says affordable housing remains a big need, but Colorado Springs officials say the community is pushing back on some developments.
Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade said housing “Will continue to be a crisis, but it’s also an opportunity.”
“Homes have risen far more in price than income; three times more,” said Pikes Peak Housing Network Executive Director Jill Gaebler.
Gaebler presented to the Colorado Springs City Council on Monday and said El Paso County is not building enough homes that the average person can afford right now. She said the median home price in the county currently sits around $500,000.
“The average age of the first-time homebuyer has increased to 40 years old. Just a decade ago, it was 31 years old,” said Gaebler, “we’re renting longer, getting that nest egg ready to purchase a home and put down a deposit.”
In Colorado Springs, Mayor Mobolade says the city is working on the issue.
“We’ve invested $230 million in affordable housing projects… But what I’m really proud of is 3000 homes since I got into office, affordable homes,” said Mobolade.
City of Colorado Springs Media Relations Manager Max D’Onofrio said in a statement to FOX21 the city is working to advance several initiatives, including “developing a Housing Action Plan; investing in new affordable and attainable housing through federal funds and private‑activity bonds; supporting rehabilitation programs for low‑income seniors; providing tenant‑based rental assistance; strengthening partnerships with the Colorado Springs Housing Authority; and maintaining the City’s eligibility for Proposition 123 to keep more projects moving forward.”
“We will continue to ensure that every money from the federal government that passes through the city and every money from the state that passes through the city will be prioritized for housing that targets the area median income that our residents need,” said Mobolade.
Gaebler says her organization helps builders who construct all types of homes connect with decision makers when seeking project approval. But she and the mayor say affordable housing often gets pushback from the community.
“It’s getting harder and harder for those projects to get approved because community members fight and oppose a lot of these housing developments,” said Gaebler.
“We’re seeing a pushback from our community on just about every affordable housing project,” said Mobolade, “I know people get hung up on that term. We’re not talking about Section 8 lower-income homes, not that that doesn’t matter, that matters. We’re talking about teachers, nurses, firefighters, police officers, military members that can’t afford to live in this city.”
D’Onofrio also stated, while the city focuses on affordable rentals and attainable homeownership, it is also aiming to preserve neighborhood character and protect quality of life.
The city did not give a date on when it is aiming to complete the Housing Action Plan, which it says is currently in the works.
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