(BCSNN) — Colorado head football coach Deion Sanders is expected to announce his retirement, concluding a transformative but turbulent tenure in Boulder that saw the Buffaloes rise from irrelevance to national prominence. The decision, sources say, is driven by ongoing health issues and the departure of his sons, Shedeur and Shilo Sanders, to the NFL.

Sanders, 57, has battled serious medical complications in recent years, including blood clots and the amputation of two toes in 2021. His condition worsened this off-season, prompting a prolonged absence from team activities and recruiting. In a recent video, Sanders revealed he had to draft a will, underscoring the gravity of his health battle. Though he returned to campus last week and declared he was “feeling great,” Monday’s press conference with his medical team is widely expected to confirm his retirement.

The timing coincides with the end of Sanders’ stated mission to coach his sons. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders was selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns, while safety Shilo Sanders signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent. Two-way star Travis Hunter, whom Sanders called an “unofficial son,” was taken No. 2 overall. With his core trio gone, Sanders’ motivation to remain in Boulder appears to have waned. Some will argue that Sanders had no intention of staying at CU without the mission of promoting his sons' careers. But that's merely speculation. Haters have called Deion Sanders "LaVar Ball, but with the advantage of having real talent," when discussing Sanders' prioritizing his sons' successes over the rest of the teams he was coaching.

Hired in December 2022, Sanders inherited a 1–11 program and quickly turned Colorado into a national spectacle. The Buffaloes went 9–4 in 2024, hosted ESPN’s College GameDay, and generated a reported $93.9 million economic impact for the city. His charisma and media savvy sparked a surge in university applications and NIL interest, dubbed the “Prime Effect.” In March, he signed a $54 million extension through 2029, making him the highest-paid coach in the Big 12.

Colorado now faces an uncertain future. Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter is expected to start at quarterback, while five-star freshman Julian “JuJu” Lewis could challenge for the role. The Buffaloes open the 2025 season Aug. 29 against Georgia Tech, but their 2026 recruiting class currently ranks last in the Big 12, a reflection of Sanders’ absence from the trail.

While Sanders’ departure would mark the end of a short but seismic era, his impact on Colorado football—and college athletics at large—will be felt for years to come. Whether he transitions to media, mentorship, or simply focuses on family, Coach Prime’s next chapter is sure to draw attention.

Update: Deion Sanders Reveals Bladder Cancer Battle, But Vows To Continue Coaching At Colorado