If Colorado fires Deion Sanders for poor results after the 2026 season, it would owe him about $26 million, payable in equal monthly installments through Dec. 31, 2029, USA TODAY reported Nov. 13, 2026. The installment plan spreads out the hit. It doesn’t make the exit cheap. Source
Neither USA TODAY nor Sporting News reported a decision to dismiss Sanders. Before Colorado’s Nov. 13 home game against Houston, the Buffaloes were 3-6 overall and tied for last in the Big 12 at 1-5. Source Source
Why the payout is already discounted
USA TODAY says it obtained Sanders’ contract, which would entitle him to 75% of his remaining compensation in that post-season, performance-related dismissal scenario. His scheduled pay is $11 million in 2027, $11 million in 2028 and $12 million in 2029. Source
The outlet’s analysis says that partial guarantee leaves some money otherwise budgeted for Sanders available to help pay a replacement. The remaining 25% doesn’t come with a coaching staff attached. Source
Sporting News cited a $25.5 million buyout estimate. The reports don’t establish identical calculation dates for that figure and USA TODAY’s roughly $26 million post-season estimate. Source Source
The buyout isn’t the whole bill
According to USA TODAY, Colorado’s athletic department projected a $27 million deficit for fiscal 2026, which ended in June. The report did not provide a final result for that fiscal year. Source
USA TODAY reports that a coaching change would also bring severance payments to Sanders’ assistants, plus commitments to a new staff and players. Neither outlet identifies an agreed plan to finance a change. Source Source
Three games still mattered
Before Houston, Colorado needed to win all three remaining regular-season games to become bowl eligible. Sanders stood at 19-27 across four seasons in Boulder, following records of 4-8 in 2023, 9-4 in 2024 and 3-9 in 2025. Source
“I’m not getting it done,” Sanders said Nov. 10, according to USA TODAY. Source
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