Deion Sanders' Coaching Preferences: Early Kickoffs and Gut Instincts

Deion Sanders, the former NFL superstar known as "Prime Time," has transitioned into coaching with the Colorado Buffaloes. Despite his playing days' moniker, Sanders prefers early kickoffs, as the coaching side of him emerges. In a recent news conference, the Buffaloes' head coach shared his likes, dislikes, and strategies for navigating the challenges of late-night games on national television.

Embracing the Spotlight, Prioritizing Player Health

Deion Sanders may not be a fan of late-night kickoffs, but he recognizes the value of national television exposure for his team. The Buffaloes have already provided some thrilling moments, such as a Hail Mary pass to tie the game against Baylor and a forced fumble by standout player Travis Hunter to secure the overtime victory.

Balancing National Exposure and Player Needs

While Sanders appreciates the opportunity to showcase his team on the national stage, he is also mindful of the impact late-night games can have on his players. To ensure his team is well-rested and prepared, Sanders plans to implement a revised routine to optimize their sleep and recovery before the big game against Cincinnati.

Prioritizing Player Health and Performance

One of Sanders' top priorities is the health and well-being of his players, particularly standout Travis Hunter. The two-way player was limited in the previous game against Arizona to allow his banged-up shoulder more time to recover. Sanders is confident that a healthier Hunter will contribute significantly more in the upcoming matchup against the Bearcats.

Embracing the Opportunity for National Exposure

Despite his preference for early kickoffs, Sanders acknowledges the value of being on national television. He recognizes that the late-night games provide his team with elevated exposure, which can be beneficial for the program's growth and recruitment efforts. Sanders is determined to make the most of these opportunities while ensuring his players are well-prepared and rested.

Balancing Analytics and Gut Instincts

Sanders is not a fan of relying too heavily on analytics, preferring to trust his own instincts and knowledge of his team. He believes that understanding the capabilities and strengths of his players is more important than crunching numbers on the sideline. Sanders' approach emphasizes the importance of building a deep understanding of his team and making decisions based on that intimate knowledge.

Chasing Bowl Eligibility and Conference Title Contention

In his second year as the Buffaloes' head coach, Sanders has his sights set on achieving the program's first six-win season since 2016. The team is just one win away from bowl eligibility, and they find themselves in the mix for the Big 12 conference title, with several teams vying for the top spot.The Buffaloes' offense has been productive, averaging 31 points per game, while the defense has shown significant improvement, recording 16 sacks over the last three games. Sanders is confident in his team's abilities and believes they are capable of even greater success, as they continue to reap the rewards of their hard work and dedication.As the Buffaloes prepare to take on the Cincinnati Bearcats in a late-night showdown, Deion Sanders' coaching philosophy and priorities are clear: prioritize player health, trust his instincts, and embrace the opportunity to showcase his team on the national stage, all while chasing the program's first bowl appearance in six years and a potential conference title.