Deion Sanders Skips Big 12 Media Interviews, Calls for Patience With New Quarterback

Colorado head football coach Deion Sanders attended Big 12 Conference football media days in Frisco, Texas, on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, but declined the interviews that every other coach completed. Sanders referred to new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion as “Brendan” several times during the event.

Colorado finished the 2025 season with a 3-9 record after starting three quarterbacks. The team opened with Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter for nine games, freshman Julian “JuJu” Lewis for two games, and backup Ryan Staub. Only Lewis remains on the roster and is expected to start this season.

Finneseth said the team lacked players willing to lead last year. “The thing with last year was we just didn’t have the players that wanted to lead and were willing,” he said. Sanders said he made a mistake at quarterback last season after his son Shedeur left for the NFL.

“I made a big mistake, man,” he told ESPN. ” Sanders called for patience with the 18-year-old Lewis as the team prepares for its season opener on Sept. 3 at Georgia Tech.