Deion Sanders Bags $250K Bonus for Skyrocketing Colorado Football’s Media Presence — Not for Victories

Although Deion Sanders had a challenging first season as the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes football team, finishing well below .500, his financial gains have been pretty impressive. USA Today reports that the University of Colorado Boulder awarded Sanders a $250,000 bonus for the substantial media exposure he generated in 2023. BOULDER, COLORADO – APRIL 22: Head coach Deion Sanders of the Colorado Buffaloes watches as his team warms up prior to their spring game at Folsom Field on April 22, 2023 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) “The employee recognition bonus is a discretionary bonus awarded by Athletic Director Rick George for the immense impact Coach Prime has made on the football program, the Athletic Department, and the university in his first season,” the school stated. Sanders was credited with raising $343 million in “earned media” value last year, a dramatic increase from the $87 million in 2022. Although just recently reported on by the media, the bonus was paid on Dec. 1, shortly after the team’s final game of the season. Didn’t Live Up To The Hype? Colorado started the “Prime Era” with a bang, defeating TCU on the road and following up with victories...