Top 5 coaches to replace Deion Sanders in Colorado if Dallas Cowboys rumors come true
As the denials mount, it could prove positive that there's more than just smoke to the Deion Sanders from the Colorado Buffaloes to the Dallas Cowboys rumors. Coach Prime hasn't been averse to a move and the timing seems to fit pretty well. However, don't expect the Buffaloes to close up shop if Deion moves on. Here are five possible moves that Colorado could make if Sanders moves to the NFL.
Top 5 coaches to replace Deion Sanders if he leaves Colorado
5. Pat Shurmur, Colorado offensive coordinator
Considering the success of the Deion Sanders era, it wouldn't be shocking if Colorado decided to try to keep some of the essential elements in place and build from there. Shurmur is a veteran coach with years of NFL experience and understands the offense well. Issues against Shurmur are that Sanders would probably try to take him along if he leaves, and he's 59 years old.
4. Robert Livingston, Colorado defensive coordinator
As good as Shurmur and the offense has been, it's Livingston's work on the defense that has lifted the Buffs. Livingston has NFL experience, and at just 38 years old, is a younger and fresher option than Shurmur. Again, the standard caution exists that Sanders would likely want to take Livingston with him to his next job.
3. Barry Odom, UNLV coach
Odom would be a different direction, but would make some sense. Noted as a defensive mind, Odom coached at Missouri for four seasons. Since being hired at UNLV, he's had the Running Rebels in the thick of the Mountain West Conference title hunt. Odom has been recruiting in the same general area of the country and at just 47 years old, is still young and hungry enough to make Colorado a good fit.
2. Dan Mullen
The minute the idea of a high-octane offense needing a boss arises, Mullen gets mentioned. He coached Mississippi State and Florida to a 103-61 mark and had a 10-win season in Starkville and two more in Gainesville. However, Mullen seems happy working as an analyst for ESPN and is now three years removed from serving as a coach. But he's just 52 years old and is a great offensive mind.
1. Jamey Chadwell, Liberty coach
Chadwell is an offensive guru who has climbed the ladder of college football in recent years. He made Coastal Carolina and Liberty relevant and played an exciting style that would keep fans invested. He's 20-3 at Liberty and does seem to have a good thing going there, but a power conference would give Chadwell more opportunities to shine. He's only in year two at Liberty but might be irresistible.
Which coaches would you like to see Colorado pursue if Coach Prime moves on? Share your ideas below in our comments section!