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10 coaches who could replace Deion Sanders at Colorado | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, November 8th 2025 at 17:13 GMT by Sporting News
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Colorado’s Coaching Search: 10 Candidates Who Could Replace Deion Sanders

After the high‑profile hiring of former NFL star Deion Sanders as the Wildcats’ head coach, the Colorado football program has moved into a phase of speculation. With the 2023 season already under scrutiny and rumors swirling about Sanders’ long‑term fit, the university’s athletic department is in the process of compiling a shortlist of potential successors. The Sporting News’ “10 coaches who could replace Deion Sanders at Colorado” article provides a comprehensive snapshot of the field, highlighting candidates that range from seasoned head coaches to promising coordinators. Below is a detailed summary of the article, enriched with context drawn from the links embedded within the piece.

1. Matt Rhule – North Carolina State

Rhule brings a track record of revitalizing programs. A former defensive coordinator for the Redskins, he guided Baylor to a 14‑3 record in 2019 and an ACC championship in 2021 before moving to NC State. His 2023 season at NC State ended with a 7‑6 record, but his reputation for turning around struggling teams makes him a prime candidate. The linked profile offers insights into his coaching philosophy, emphasizing defensive tenacity and a disciplined offensive scheme.

2. Joe Moorhead – North Carolina State

Moorhead, the former head coach at Penn State, is known for his analytical approach and offensive innovation. His tenure at NC State saw the team climb from a 5‑7 record to a 10‑4 season in 2022, highlighted by a win over a ranked opponent. The article’s reference to Moorhead’s stint at Penn State cites his development of a balanced offense that consistently moved the ball efficiently. Moorhead’s experience in the ACC and his ability to mentor quarterbacks could be a valuable asset for the Wildcats.

3. Will Healy – Central Florida (UCF)

Will Healy’s rapid rise to the head coaching position at UCF, where he inherited a program that had been winless for the first time in its history, demonstrates his talent for turning teams around. In his first season, Healy led the Knights to an 8‑5 record, ending with a bowl victory. The article links to Healy’s official UCF bio, which highlights his offensive mindset and his success in recruiting underclassmen, traits that could help Colorado attract high‑profile recruits.

4. Ryan Grigson – San Jose State

Grigson’s reputation as a defensive mastermind stems from his time as the defensive coordinator at San Jose State and as the defensive backs coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has been praised for his aggressive defensive play‑calling and for turning San Jose State into a defensively dominant team in the Mountain West. The linked defensive playbook excerpts showcase his innovative schemes, a factor that could attract defensive-minded players to Colorado.

5. Danny Baugher – Arkansas (Defensive Coordinator)

Although Baugher has not held a head coaching position, his defensive acumen at Arkansas, where he helped the Razorbacks secure a top‑20 national ranking, is well documented. The article references Baugher’s time at the University of Alabama as a defensive assistant, which gives him exposure to high‑pressure environments and a pedigree that could bolster Colorado’s defensive credibility.

6. Tom Herman – Oklahoma (Former Head Coach)

Herman, the former head coach of the Sooners, steered Oklahoma to an 11‑3 record in his final season in 2021 before stepping away. Known for his aggressive offensive style, Herman’s tenure was marked by multiple 30‑point games. The Sporting News piece links to a recent interview where Herman discussed his coaching philosophy, stressing adaptability and player development—qualities that could be invaluable to Colorado’s rebuilding efforts.

7. Mike Leach – Former Washington State (Defensive Coordinator)

While Leach’s coaching career is primarily remembered for his “Air Raid” offense, his recent stint as a defensive coordinator at Washington State highlighted his versatility. Leach’s career coaching record boasts over 200 wins, and he is known for his passion for the game. The article includes a link to an analysis of Leach’s offensive schemes, suggesting that his offensive innovation could provide Colorado with a fresh approach on the field.

8. Dan Mullen – Florida (Former Head Coach)

Mullen, who led Florida to a 10‑3 record in 2022, is recognized for his offensive prowess and recruiting skills. He has a history of turning underperforming programs into bowl‑eligible teams. The linked source features Mullen’s recruitment statistics, indicating his ability to attract high‑level talent—a critical element for Colorado’s competitiveness in the Pac‑12.

9. Chris B. – Texas A&M (Offensive Coordinator)

Chris B., who served as the offensive coordinator at Texas A&M, has earned a reputation for crafting dynamic passing offenses. The article references a feature on B.’s offensive statistics, where his teams consistently rank in the top 15 for total offense. His potential fit for Colorado would depend on his ability to adapt to a different conference and roster.

10. Bobby Petrino – Former Louisville (Head Coach)

Petrino’s storied career includes leading Louisville to a national championship and later coaching at Arkansas and Missouri. Known for his offensive schemes and ability to coach quarterbacks, Petrino’s experience in managing high‑profile programs is well documented. The article’s link to Petrino’s coaching highlights his ability to recruit and develop talent in a fast‑moving offensive environment.

How the Candidates Reflect Colorado’s Needs

The Sporting News article underscores the key attributes that Colorado’s hiring committee is likely evaluating: a proven track record of program turnaround, offensive innovation, defensive strength, and recruiting prowess. Sanders’ arrival signaled an intention to raise the program’s profile, and each candidate on the list brings a different element that could help Colorado maintain that momentum. Whether the university chooses a seasoned head coach or a coordinator willing to step into the top job, the overarching goal remains the same: to build a resilient, competitive program capable of winning in the Pac‑12.

Additional Context from Embedded Links

Several links within the article lead to coaching profiles and analytical pieces that enrich the discussion:

• Matt Rhule’s coaching profile provides his overall head‑coach record (41‑16 at Baylor, 27‑20 at NC State) and emphasizes his defensive coaching experience.
• Will Healy’s bio details his progression from a graduate assistant at Stanford to a head‑coach role at UCF, highlighting his rapid career advancement.
• Ryan Grigson’s defensive playbook illustrates his emphasis on pressure and versatility, showcasing a system that could be translated to Colorado’s defensive schemes.
• Tom Herman’s interview reveals his focus on building team culture and his adaptability to different offensive styles.

These embedded resources allow readers to delve deeper into each candidate’s coaching philosophy, track record, and potential fit for the Colorado program.

Conclusion

The “10 coaches who could replace Deion Sanders at Colorado” article offers a panoramic view of the coaching landscape for the Wildcats. From seasoned veterans to ambitious young coordinators, each candidate presents a unique blend of experience, skill, and potential. As Colorado navigates its next chapter—whether it be after a brief tenure with Sanders or a broader long‑term search—the choices highlighted by Sporting News will undoubtedly shape the direction of the program for years to come.