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In a surprising turn of events, Deion Sanders, head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, has been ranked higher than NFL coaching legend Bill Belichick in the latest college football coaching assessments.
According to CBS Sports' 2025 rankings, Sanders secured the 33rd spot, a significant leap from his previous 61st position. Meanwhile, Belichick, embarking on his first college coaching role with the North Carolina Tar Heels, was placed at 54th.
Sanders' ascent in the rankings is attributed to his transformative impact on the Colorado program. After inheriting a team that went 1-11 in 2022, he led them to a 9-4 record in 2024, culminating in an Alamo Bowl appearance. His dynamic leadership and ability to attract top talent have revitalized the Buffaloes, making them a formidable force in the Big 12.
Commenting on Sanders' progress, CBS Sports analyst Tom Fornelli noted, "It's hard to knock what Deion did. I think, when he came in for his first season, there was plenty of hype off the field that just was not matched on the field after a hot start... But last year, Colorado took a significant step forward... The Buffs were in the title race until the very end of the year.
"So, when you see that, plus the hype and attention that he draws off of the field, it's not surprising to see that he's starting to be bumped up people's ballots."
Belichick's new chapter in college football
Bill Belichick, renowned for his six Super Bowl victories with the New England Patriots, has taken on a new challenge as the head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels.
This marks his first foray into college football coaching, a move that has intrigued many in the sports community. Despite his unparalleled NFL success, Belichick's transition to the collegiate level has been met with cautious optimism.
Former player and broadcaster Danny Kanell weighed in on Belichick's ranking, stating, "If somebody would have put him at number one, I would've said, 'Ya know what? Greatest NFL coach ever.' Of course you can make a case for that.
"If you would've left him off of the list or had him behind Jeff Lebby, because he hasn't coached one game in college football, I'd be okay with that too... I think he's one of the greatest football minds, but he hasn't coached at this level."
Belichick's decision to North Carolina is deeply personal, driven by a desire to honor his late father, who had a storied career in collegiate coaching. This emotional connection adds a layer of significance to his new role, as he aims to leave a lasting legacy in college football.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on both Sanders and Belichick. Sanders will look to build upon his recent successes and solidify Colorado's position as a powerhouse, while Belichick embarks on a journey to adapt his coaching prowess to the collegiate arena. Their respective paths will undoubtedly shape the narrative of the college football season.