As the Colorado Buffaloes prepare for a new season under head coach Deion Sanders, Coach Prime is hoping to land two heavyweight names from the NFL to round out his sideline staff.
Former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and ex-Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich are both in Sanders’ sights as he works to elevate the Buffs into true national contenders.
During Big 12 Media Days held in Frisco, Texas, Sanders offered a candid update on his coaching staff’s potential next steps, revealing he’s awaiting decisions from both Zimmer and Leftwich regarding roles within the Buffaloes‘ program.
Sanders believes Zimmer and Leftwich could add immediate value on and off the field
Known for his charisma and his eye for coaching talent, Sanders has already built a staff stacked with former NFL players and seasoned football minds, a strategy that has helped him make waves on the recruiting trail.
“Praying Byron Leftwich and Mike Zimmer do the right thing,” Sanders said, making it clear that the door is open and the invitations are on the table.
Zimmer’s name immediately brings defensive credibility. He served as the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings for eight seasons, earning respect across the league for his hard-nosed, no-nonsense approach and defensive acumen.
Most recently, he coordinated the Dallas Cowboys‘ defense before being replaced by Matt Eberflus. During his stint with Dallas, Zimmer‘s unit helped reduce mental errors and penalties, finishing the season with the fewest first downs allowed by penalty-an impressive and telling statistic that reflects the kind of discipline Sanders wants to instill in Colorado.
Although the role Zimmer would play on Sanders‘ staff hasn’t been formally announced, his presence alone would set a tone of professionalism and accountability. Zimmer could step into a senior defensive analyst position or even coordinate the defense depending on how the current staff is shuffled.
Leftwich, meanwhile, brings elite offensive experience to the table. A former NFL quarterback turned offensive coordinator, Leftwich helped guide Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl LV victory. His approach to developing quarterbacks could prove invaluable to a Colorado program currently navigating a post-Shedeur Sanders transition.
Coach Prime has a history of bringing in top-tier assistants to support both player development and in-game strategy, and adding Leftwich would bolster an offense expected to take major strides. With former Liberty standout Kaidon Salter likely to be the Buffs’ starting quarterback, Leftwich’s mentorship could be a game-changer, especially if true freshman phenom Julian Lewis takes the field at some point this season.
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