Former Player Rips Deion Sanders Coaching Style: ‘I Don’t Think He’s Very Bright’
Deion Sanders has never been a stranger to criticism. From his playing days to his time on the sidelines, “Coach Prime” has always been a lightning rod for controversy. But usually, the harshest words come from rival fan bases or skeptical media members. It hits a little differently when the criticism comes from inside the house—or at least, from the alumni association.
Former Colorado TE Calls Out Deion Sanders
Christian Fauria, a former Colorado tight end and 13-year NFL veteran, recently made headlines with a scorching take on Sanders’ tenure in Boulder. Appearing on The Zach Gelb Show, Fauria didn’t hold back, calling the Colorado head coach “a lot of flash” with “no substance.”
For a program that has seen a massive surge in attention since Sanders arrived, these comments serve as a reminder that not everyone is sold on the “Prime Effect.”
“I Don’t Think He Can Manage a Game”
Fauria, who helped the Buffaloes win a national title in 1990, was blunt in his assessment. While many have praised Sanders for revitalizing a dormant program, Fauria sees things differently.
“I’m just not a fan of the coach,” Fauria said. “I’ll never be a fan of the coach. I love the school… I just don’t like the way he coaches football. I don’t think he’s very bright. I don’t think he can manage a game.”
He went on to describe Sanders’ supporters as “brainwashed” by the hype, comparing the situation to the classic fable The Emperor’s New Clothes.
It’s a harsh critique, especially coming from a player who is considered Colorado royalty. Fauria emphasized that his loyalty remains with the university, but he made it clear that he separates the school from the man currently running the football team.
A Personal Connection to the Program
To understand where Fauria is coming from, you have to look beyond just his alumni status. There is a personal layer to this story. His son, Caleb Fauria, was a tight end for the Buffaloes. Caleb was originally recruited by former coach Karl Dorrell but stayed on the roster for Sanders’ first season in 2023.
Eventually, Caleb entered the transfer portal and moved to Delaware, citing a need for better opportunities. While Christian Fauria didn’t explicitly link his comments to his son’s playing time or departure, it’s hard to ignore the connection. When a parent—especially one who knows the game at a professional level—watches their child go through a program, they form strong opinions about the leadership.
Fauria admitted he was initially supportive of the hire, hoping Sanders would bring the necessary change. But over time, that optimism soured into skepticism.
The Results vs. The Hype
The debate around Deion Sanders often comes down to how you measure success. Fauria’s “flash vs. substance” argument touches on the discrepancy between the media circus surrounding Boulder and the actual wins and losses on the field.
Context matters here. In the three seasons under Sanders (up to this point in early 2026), the Buffaloes hold a 16-21 record. Is that a championship-level performance? No. But compared to where Colorado was before he arrived—a one-win team fighting for relevance—it is an improvement.
However, critics like Fauria argue that the improvement hasn’t matched the noise. When you bring Louis Vuitton luggage to the facility and talk about winning it all, a sub-.500 record over three years leaves you open to jabs about being “all talk.”
The “Substance” Debate
Sanders’ defenders would point to a different kind of substance. Before Coach Prime, Colorado football was an afterthought. Now, they are selling out season tickets for three consecutive years—a feat the program hadn’t achieved since the mid-90s.
Furthermore, Sanders has delivered on his promise to get players to the next level. The 2025 NFL Draft saw four Colorado players selected, marking the program’s most successful draft class in years. For recruits, that is substance. Getting paid and getting drafted are tangible results.
But for old-school players like Fauria, substance is often defined by tactical proficiency, game management, and building a culture that feels like traditional football excellence rather than a reality TV show. Fauria even compared Sanders to Joe Gibbs, whom he called the “worst coach I ever had,” to illustrate that his dislike isn’t personal—it’s about coaching style.
A Divided Legacy?
As Deion Sanders continues his journey at Colorado, the divide between the “old guard” and the new era seems to be widening. For many young fans and recruits, Sanders is an icon who makes college football fun and lucrative. For traditionalists and some alumni like Christian Fauria, the sunglasses and soundbites are a distraction from the fundamental struggles of the team.
Whether you view Sanders as a revolutionary or a showman, one thing is certain: he makes people care about Colorado football. Christian Fauria certainly cares enough to speak up, even if his opinion is one that won’t get him invited to the coaches’ office anytime soon.
