NCAAF News: Before the 2025 season, former LSU coach Joe Burrow departs from Deion Sanders’ Colorado

In the ever-evolving world of college football, coaching changes, player transfers, and shifts in staff dynamics are constants that fans and analysts alike keep a close eye on. The latest development in this realm involves a significant move that has taken both the college football world and the LSU community by surprise. Joe Burrow, the former LSU quarterback who led the Tigers to the 2019 National Championship and is now a household name in the NFL, has decided to leave his coaching role under Deion Sanders at Colorado before the 2025 season begins. This decision has raised questions about Burrow’s future in college football coaching and what led to his departure from the Colorado Buffaloes.

To understand the gravity of Burrow’s departure, it’s essential to look at the context of his career, his involvement with Deion Sanders at Colorado, and the broader implications for both the Buffaloes and the LSU Tigers. As fans and experts alike attempt to make sense of Burrow’s decision, the move has undoubtedly set the stage for several key narratives in the college football landscape.

Joe Burrow’s Journey: From LSU to Colorado

Before diving into the specifics of Burrow’s departure from Colorado, it’s important to revisit his incredible journey through college football. Joe Burrow’s rise to stardom began when he transferred to LSU from Ohio State in 2018, a move that would set the stage for one of the most memorable college football careers in history.

In 2019, under the guidance of head coach Ed Orgeron, Burrow led LSU to an undefeated season and a National Championship, a season that featured a Heisman Trophy-winning performance. His leadership, poise, and ability to perform under pressure made him one of the most celebrated quarterbacks in college football history. His records were broken, and his legacy in Baton Rouge was cemented. Burrow’s transition to the NFL was just as successful, as he was selected as the first overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2020 NFL Draft.

But in a surprising turn, Burrow’s post-NFL career trajectory brought him back into the world of college football, albeit in a different capacity. After spending a few years solidifying his reputation as an NFL star, Burrow decided to return to his roots and contribute to the development of young talent. In an unexpected but welcome twist, he joined the staff of Deion Sanders at the University of Colorado, a program on the rise under the legendary coach.

Burrow’s role at Colorado was not as a player but rather as a mentor and an advisor to the quarterback room. His experience as a Heisman-winning quarterback and his understanding of the game made him a valuable asset to the Buffaloes. His addition to Sanders’ staff was seen as a significant recruiting tool and an incredible opportunity for Colorado to tap into his wealth of knowledge.

Burrow’s tenure at Colorado, although brief, had a noticeable impact on the program. His presence was a significant selling point for the Buffaloes, helping to attract talented quarterbacks who wanted to learn from one of the best to ever play the position. His work with the team’s quarterbacks was characterized by a focused, methodical approach to developing the next generation of passers.

Deion Sanders and the Colorado Project: A Vision for the Future

When Deion Sanders took over as head coach at Colorado, he immediately set out to change the culture of the program. His charisma, recruiting prowess, and ability to attract attention had already made waves in the college football world. The decision to hire Burrow, one of the best quarterbacks in modern college football history, seemed like a stroke of genius. With Burrow on staff, Sanders hoped to instill an NFL-caliber mentality in his quarterbacks, creating a pipeline for the next wave of elite talent to come through Boulder.

Under Sanders, Colorado’s football program was undergoing a complete transformation. The Buffaloes were no longer seen as a bottom-tier team in the Pac-12 but as a potential powerhouse capable of competing at the highest level. The recruiting classes were growing stronger, and the talent pool was beginning to match the ambition of Sanders’ vision. Bringing in a player of Burrow’s caliber only added to the momentum, signaling that the program was committed to developing players who could thrive in the most competitive environments.

Sanders, whose own NFL career made him a global icon, emphasized the importance of a strong quarterback development program. His decision to bring Burrow onto his staff was indicative of his willingness to learn from the best and use that knowledge to elevate his team. As a mentor, Burrow fit seamlessly into Sanders’ approach, providing valuable insight into the quarterback position, especially in terms of leadership, decision-making, and mental toughness.

However, despite the promising start and the high expectations surrounding Burrow’s role in Colorado’s future, the dynamic between Burrow and the coaching staff eventually shifted, leading to his decision to leave.

The Departure: Why Did Burrow Leave Colorado?

Joe Burrow’s departure from Colorado before the 2025 season has left fans and analysts searching for answers. While there has been no official statement from Burrow himself, sources close to the situation have provided some insight into the reasons behind his decision.

One key factor in Burrow’s departure could be related to the evolving nature of his role within the coaching staff. Despite his immense talent and understanding of the game, coaching at the collegiate level requires a level of commitment and passion that can sometimes conflict with personal aspirations and long-term goals. For someone like Burrow, who has achieved so much in his career, stepping into a coaching role in college football might not have been the right fit, especially as he considered the demands of the job.

Another potential factor could be related to Burrow’s ambitions beyond coaching. While Burrow’s expertise as a quarterback coach was valuable, he may have realized that he was more interested in taking a step back from full-time coaching responsibilities. It’s also possible that Burrow was contemplating opportunities in the NFL or in other aspects of football, where his influence and impact could be even greater. Given Burrow’s star status in the football world, his options would likely be numerous, ranging from media roles to front-office positions.

On the other hand, the decision could also be related to the unique dynamics at Colorado. Deion Sanders is known for being a larger-than-life personality with a distinct coaching style. While Sanders is undoubtedly a highly effective recruiter and coach, his approach may not have meshed perfectly with Burrow’s vision of coaching or development. Coaching at the collegiate level involves navigating relationships with players, fellow coaches, and administration. If there were philosophical differences between Burrow and Sanders or if Burrow felt that his contributions were not aligning with his personal goals, that could have been a factor in his decision to step away.

Regardless of the specific reasons behind Burrow’s departure, one thing is clear: it has left a significant hole in Colorado’s coaching staff. Burrow’s insight into the quarterback position and his ability to mentor young players was a huge asset to the program. His absence could have repercussions on the development of Colorado’s quarterbacks and may necessitate a shift in how the team approaches the position moving forward.

Implications for LSU Football

Burrow’s departure from Colorado also carries implications for LSU, the program where he made his mark as a player. As one of the most beloved figures in LSU football history, Burrow’s connection to the Tigers will never be severed. His success on the field and his leadership during LSU’s 2019 National Championship run have forever etched his name into the university’s football legacy.

For LSU, Burrow’s decision to leave Colorado raises the possibility of him returning to Baton Rouge in some capacity. Whether it’s as an ambassador, a coach, or an advisor, Burrow’s ties to LSU remain strong. His expertise could be invaluable to the program, especially in terms of helping develop future quarterbacks. LSU has consistently recruited some of the top quarterbacks in the nation, and Burrow’s return to the fold could provide an additional layer of mentorship and guidance to the next generation of LSU signal-callers.

While it’s too early to speculate on Burrow’s potential return to LSU, the timing of his departure from Colorado could signal that he’s exploring new opportunities. It could be an opening for LSU to bring him back in a formal capacity, as the Tigers’ current coaching staff continues to build on the foundation of success Burrow helped establish during his time at the school.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Burrow and Colorado?

Joe Burrow’s departure from Colorado raises questions about his future in football. While he has already achieved greatness in both college football and the NFL, his passion for the game and his understanding of its intricacies could lead him to other opportunities, whether in coaching, media, or football operations.

For Colorado, the loss of Burrow is certainly a setback, but the program under Deion Sanders is still on the rise. Sanders has proven time and time again that he can attract top-tier talent, both in players and coaches. It’s likely that Colorado will continue to grow and improve, even without Burrow on staff, and they’ll look to fill his role with another individual who can contribute to the development of their quarterbacks.

In conclusion, Joe Burrow’s decision to leave Colorado before the 2025 season is a surprising one, but it’s important to remember that his legacy in football is already solidified. Whether he decides to return to LSU or explore other ventures, his influence on the game will continue to be felt. For now, both Colorado and LSU will move forward, with Burrow’s departure serving as a reminder that even the most celebrated players must navigate the challenges and changes of the football world.