As first reported by Brian Howell of the Boulder Daily Camera, Sanders new contract includes a five-year extension worth a total of $54 million, keeping him with the program through 2029.
“Coach Prime” is responsible for one of the most impressive turnarounds in college football history, as he inherited a 1-11 football team and in just two seasons led the Buffaloes to a tie for first place in the Big 12 standings and a 9-4 campaign.
Per a press release from CU, The Buffaloes under Coach Prime are also one of the most-watched teams in sports, attracting over 54 million viewers throughout the 2024 season, including 8 million who tuned in to watch CU take on BYU in the Alamo Bowl, the highest viewership in the 32-year history of the event.
“Coach Prime has revolutionized college football and in doing so, has restored CU football to our rightful place as a national power,” said Colorado AD Rick George. “This extension not only recognizes Coach’s incredible accomplishments transforming our program on and off the field, it keeps him in Boulder to compete for conference and national championships in the years to come.”
There’s been a lot of conjecture about Sanders’ commitment to sticking around in Boulder, but this new extension certainly helps quiet some of the doubters.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to continue building something special here at Colorado,” said Sanders. “We’ve just scratched the surface of what this program can be. It’s not just about football; it’s about developing young men who are ready to take on the world. I’m committed to bringing greatness to this university, on and off the field. We’ve got work to do, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but here, making history with these incredible players and this passionate fan base. Lastly, anybody got at least a five-bedroom home with acreage for sale?”
PER COLORADO RELEASE: CU sold out all but two home games during the 2024 season, marking the first time the Buffs have sold out four or more games in back-to-back seasons since 1995-96. This past season, home football games brought a combined $93.9 million in direct economic impact to the City of Boulder and $146.5 million in total regional economic impact.
Under Coach Prime’s leadership, the football team has also been excellent in the classroom, posting its best term GPA in program history last fall semester with a mark of 3.011, the first time in program history they’ve recorded above a GPA of 3.0.
