Outgoing CU AD Rick George says ‘the seat is not hot’ for Deion Sanders

Colorado athletic director Rick George isn’t going to be in his current chair much longer.

It was announced last week that George is stepping down from his role as AD at the end of the academic year and transitioning into a special advisor to the chancellor at CU. 

And while it’s unclear when the Buffs will hire a new athletic director, or what that person might think of Deion Sanders, Rick George gave “Coach Prime” a vote of confidence on Tuesday.

The seat is not hot. We believe in what is ahead for this program. https://t.co/ZJqGgDiTYY

— Rick George (@RickGeorgeCU) November 18, 2025

This comes just hours after Sanders pleaded for more time to get the football program turned around. 2025 has been a very disappointing season, as the Buffs are only 3-7. Overall, Sanders is just 16-19 as CU’s head coach since taking over before the 2023 campaign.

Things were great in 2024, but that was with the tremendous duo of Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and QB Shedeur Sanders leading the way. Outside of those two guys lifting the team in 2024 to a 9-4 record, the Coach Prime era has been one big underwhelming mess on the field.

But apparently that doesn’t stop George from having faith in Sanders. However, it might not be his decision to make once a new AD is put in place, so that’s something to watch.

Regardless, Coach Prime wants more time, and it looks like Rick George is going to give him that — for the 2026 season. Then, it’s all wait and see whether or not that seat eventually gets hot.

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