With the new college football season approaching, attention is focused on Colorado’s three major college football coaches: Deion Sanders of the University of Colorado, Troy Calhoun of Air Force, and Jay Norvell of Colorado State. As the 2025 season nears, all three face questions about whether they can guide their programs to prominence or will remain in what some see as a cycle of mediocrity.
In recent seasons, each coach has faced challenges both on and off the field. Sanders endured a cancer scare in the past year but is now cancer-free. Calhoun managed one of his toughest seasons at Air Force. Norvell, meanwhile, was perceived by some observers to be close to losing his job at Colorado State after a rocky start last season.
All three programs are often described as being positioned for middle-of-the-pack results in 2025, with expectations centering around records near six wins and six losses.
Last season, Norvell’s job security was questioned early when his team lost two out of its first three games and appeared uncompetitive against Colorado. A narrow victory against Texas-El Paso kept him in position. The Rams went on to secure bowl eligibility but fell short in their postseason matchup. Despite significant investments into facilities, pressure remains high for improved results.
Calhoun enters his nineteenth season at Air Force, one of only four coaches nationally with such tenure at a single school. While his program finished strong last year with four consecutive wins after an early setback against Navy, questions linger regarding whether he can sustain previous successes as he approaches age 59.
Sanders signed a five-year contract extension worth $54 million in March, positioning him as the face of Colorado’s football program through 2029. His tenure has brought increased revenue and visibility to the university but remains closely tied to his health and continued competitive performance.
Speaking about his health struggles earlier this year, Sanders said: “It was tough (…) It wasn’t a cakewalk.”
The coming season will reveal whether any of these coaches can move their teams beyond current expectations or if changes are forthcoming for these flagship football programs in Colorado.
