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

NCAAF News: Former LSU Coach Joe Burrow Departs From Deion Sanders’ Colorado Before the 2025 Season

The college football world was rocked by surprising news in the months leading up to the 2025 season when former LSU quarterback and coach Joe Burrow unexpectedly parted ways with Deion Sanders’ Colorado program. Known for his iconic career at LSU, Burrow’s move to Colorado had garnered significant attention, especially when Coach Prime, Deion Sanders, brought him in to help build a new powerhouse in Boulder. However, before the season could officially begin, Burrow made the decision to leave Colorado, setting the stage for new developments that could impact both his career and the future of the Buffaloes.

Burrow’s departure has left many questioning the reasons behind his sudden exit and the ripple effect it may have on Colorado’s already ambitious plans under Coach Prime. To understand the magnitude of this situation, it’s essential to dive into the details surrounding Burrow’s brief time at Colorado, his impact on the program, and the implications of his departure for both the Buffaloes and college football at large.

Joe Burrow’s Legendary LSU Career

Before we dive into the Colorado saga, it’s important to recognize Joe Burrow’s legacy at LSU, which is arguably one of the greatest in college football history. Burrow’s arrival at LSU in 2018 transformed the Tigers’ football program. His leadership, skill, and consistency in the pocket helped lead LSU to its first national championship in 12 years during the 2019 season. Burrow’s record-setting year, where he threw for over 5,600 yards and 60 touchdowns, earned him the prestigious Heisman Trophy, solidifying his place in college football history.

His ability to manage games, read defenses, and deliver under pressure was extraordinary, making him one of the most talented quarterbacks to ever play in college football. After his senior season at LSU, Burrow was selected first overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2020 NFL Draft, where he continued to shine in the NFL. His time at LSU left an indelible mark on the program, and many viewed his eventual return to college football in a coaching capacity as a natural next step in his football career.

Joe Burrow’s Move to Colorado

Following his successful NFL career, Joe Burrow made the unexpected decision to transition into coaching. Given his elite football IQ and leadership experience, he quickly became a sought-after coach, particularly in the college football world. Burrow found a perfect fit under the mentorship of Deion Sanders, who had taken the reins at Colorado in 2022. Coach Prime, known for his larger-than-life persona and commitment to revitalizing programs, particularly saw Burrow as an ideal addition to his staff at Colorado.

The hiring of Burrow came as part of Sanders’ effort to bring in top-tier talent to Colorado, both on the field and in the coaching ranks. Burrow’s name, tied to a championship-winning LSU program and his high-level NFL experience, was expected to add instant credibility to Colorado’s coaching staff. Many believed that Burrow would work with Colorado’s quarterbacks, helping them develop their skills and elevating the program’s offensive production to a new level.

Burrow’s presence in Boulder generated significant buzz. It was a signal that Colorado was serious about returning to national prominence in college football, particularly in the highly competitive Pac-12. With Burrow’s leadership, the Buffaloes were expected to make strides toward competing with the top teams in the conference.

Deion Sanders’ Vision for Colorado Football

Deion Sanders’ arrival at Colorado marked a seismic shift in the program’s trajectory. Having achieved immense success as a player and as a coach at Jackson State, Sanders’ move to Colorado was heralded as a game-changer. Sanders has been known for his charismatic approach to recruiting, his emphasis on player development, and his ability to build a winning culture. His “Prime” brand has captured the attention of both recruits and fans, bringing unprecedented attention to a program that had struggled in recent years.

Sanders’ vision for Colorado football was to create a powerhouse that could compete with the top teams in college football. He was committed to bringing in top talent, developing players both on and off the field, and revitalizing the Buffaloes’ football culture. Burrow’s addition to the staff seemed like a natural fit, given his success at LSU and the high regard in which he was held within the football community.

The combination of Coach Prime’s dynamic personality and Burrow’s football pedigree made for an intriguing partnership. Together, they were poised to not only improve Colorado’s on-field performance but also enhance the program’s recruiting potential. Many believed that Burrow’s mentorship would be particularly beneficial for Colorado’s quarterbacks, who had struggled in previous seasons. Burrow’s ability to teach and inspire was seen as one of the keys to Colorado’s future success.

The Sudden Departure of Joe Burrow

Despite the excitement surrounding his addition to the Colorado staff, Burrow’s tenure at Colorado was short-lived. Before the 2025 season began, the news broke that Burrow had decided to part ways with the program. The announcement left fans, analysts, and players stunned. There was no immediate explanation for why Burrow left, fueling speculation about the reasons behind his departure.

The timing of Burrow’s decision raised additional questions. Just as Colorado had finished making preparations for the upcoming season, Burrow’s exit created uncertainty within the program. Many were left wondering whether the departure was personal, professional, or tied to differences in coaching philosophy. The sudden nature of the move caught everyone off guard, especially considering the expectations for the team heading into the season.

Theories Behind Burrow’s Departure

Several theories have emerged regarding why Joe Burrow decided to leave Colorado. One potential reason is the nature of Burrow’s transition from playing to coaching. Although he had a successful playing career, coaching at the college level is a vastly different experience. The demands of coaching, especially at a program with high expectations like Colorado, can be overwhelming. Burrow, having never been a coach at the collegiate level before, may have found the transition more challenging than he had anticipated.

Another theory is that Burrow may have had a difference in philosophy with Deion Sanders. While both Burrow and Sanders share a competitive drive and desire for success, their coaching styles may not have meshed as seamlessly as some had hoped. Sanders is known for his high-energy, charismatic approach, which is markedly different from Burrow’s more reserved and calculated style. It’s possible that this difference in coaching philosophy led to a rift, prompting Burrow to leave before the season started.

A third possibility is that Burrow may have realized that his true passion lies in coaching quarterbacks specifically, rather than assuming a broader role within the program. Colorado’s coaching staff has undergone several changes since Sanders took over, and Burrow may have wanted to carve out a more focused role where he could make the most significant impact. The quarterback position is often a coach’s bread and butter, and Burrow’s expertise could have been better utilized in a more specialized capacity, either elsewhere or in a future opportunity that aligns better with his vision.

Lastly, it’s possible that Burrow’s departure was motivated by personal reasons, whether related to family, lifestyle, or his desire to pursue a different career path. The intense scrutiny that comes with high-profile coaching roles can also take a toll on individuals, and Burrow may have simply found that his life and priorities had shifted in a way that no longer aligned with the rigors of coaching at Colorado.

The Impact on Colorado Football

Burrow’s departure from Colorado before the 2025 season certainly creates a void within the program. His expertise, leadership, and ability to connect with players would have been invaluable to the Buffaloes, particularly in the development of their quarterbacks. Colorado’s coaching staff now faces the challenge of filling the role that Burrow vacated and adjusting their strategy as they prepare for the season.

From a recruiting perspective, Burrow’s exit could also have ramifications. His reputation and cachet as a former LSU star and Heisman Trophy winner were important selling points for the program. Colorado will need to work quickly to maintain its momentum in recruiting, particularly in securing top quarterbacks and offensive talent.

For Deion Sanders, the loss of Burrow represents a setback in his efforts to build a powerhouse program. Coach Prime has built a strong foundation at Colorado, but Burrow’s departure underscores the challenges that come with trying to implement a vision with so many moving parts. Sanders will need to rally his staff and players to ensure that the program remains focused and continues its upward trajectory despite this setback.

What’s Next for Joe Burrow?

While Burrow’s departure from Colorado has raised questions about his future, it’s clear that the former LSU legend will continue to have a major impact on the world of football. Whether he decides to return to coaching at a different program, pursue a role in the NFL, or take a break from the game entirely, Burrow’s football IQ, work ethic, and leadership make him a valuable asset to any team or organization. His time at Colorado may have been brief, but it has set the stage for the next chapter in his football journey.