Former Colorado Player Criticizes Deion Sanders' Coaching

Christian Fauria says Sanders "has a lot of people brainwashed" as Colorado struggles in his tenure

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Former Colorado tight end Christian Fauria has strongly criticized Deion Sanders' coaching performance as the head coach of the Buffaloes. Fauria said he is "not a fan" of Sanders' coaching style and believes he is not very bright or able to manage a game effectively. Fauria also accused Sanders of having "a lot of people brainwashed" and said many Colorado alumni are not speaking up about their concerns with the program under Sanders' leadership.

Why it matters

Deion Sanders is a high-profile hire for Colorado, but the team has struggled with a 16-21 record in his first three seasons. Fauria's criticism highlights growing discontent among some in the Colorado community about Sanders' coaching abilities and leadership style.

The details

Fauria, a former NFL player, said on a podcast that he believes Sanders lacks substance as a coach and that "there's a lot of flash but there's no substance." He also said Sanders does not properly manage the game and that "he's got a lot of people brainwashed." Fauria's son Caleb played three seasons at Colorado before transferring to Delaware ahead of the 2024 season, shortly after Sanders' arrival.

  • Deion Sanders is entering his fourth season as Colorado's head coach in 2026.
  • Colorado went 3-9 in 2025 after a 9-4 season in 2024 when Travis Hunter won the Heisman Trophy.
  • Caleb Fauria left Colorado after Sanders' first season in charge with the Buffaloes in 2023.

The players

Deion Sanders

The head football coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, entering his fourth season in 2026.

Christian Fauria

A former Colorado tight end and NFL player who is critical of Deion Sanders' coaching performance.

Caleb Fauria

Christian Fauria's son, who played three seasons at Colorado before transferring to Delaware ahead of the 2024 season.

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What they’re saying

“I'm just not a fan of the coach. I'm not. I'll never be a fan of the coach. I love the school, and this isn't me picking on Deion Sanders, because I picked on Joe Gibbs. The worst coach I ever had was Joe Gibbs. So me picking on Deion Sanders is nothing. 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. I think there's a lot of flash but there's no substance. And he's got a lot of people brainwashed.”

— Christian Fauria, Former Colorado Tight End (Zach Gelb Show)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.