3 names emerging as possible replacements for Deion Sanders

Deion Sanders’ future at Colorado is facing fresh questions after the Buffaloes suffered a 29-7 loss to No. 12 Texas Tech on Oct. 3. The defeat dropped Colorado to 2-3 overall and 0-2 in Big 12 play.

The loss also intensified outside speculation about Sanders’ job. ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum said he believes Sanders could be finished in Boulder. Colorado has made no announcement about a coaching change, however. Sanders remains under contract through 2029.

If Colorado eventually makes a change, several coaches could enter the conversation. Three names already gaining attention are UNLV’s Dan Mullen, Houston’s Willie Fritz and New Mexico’s Jason Eck. Each would offer Colorado a different approach.

Dan Mullen brings Power Four experience

Dan Mullen is the most experienced name on the emerging list. The UNLV coach previously led Mississippi State and Florida. He returned to coaching with the Rebels in 2025 after three seasons away from the sideline.

Mullen immediately produced results in Las Vegas. UNLV finished 10-4 during his first season and earned him the Steve Spurrier First-Year Coach Award. The Rebels also reached the Mountain West championship game during that campaign.

His 2026 team is 3-2 after defeating California, 39-31, on Oct. 3. Mullen therefore brings recent success, SEC experience and familiarity with coaching in the West. Those factors could make him an intriguing option.

Mullen could offer Colorado stability

Mullen would bring something Colorado might value after several turbulent seasons: extensive experience running major college programs. He spent 9 seasons at Mississippi State before taking over Florida, where he coached from 2018 through 2021.

His Mississippi State tenure included consistent success in the SEC West. Mullen also guided the Bulldogs to their first No. 1 ranking in the Associated Press poll during the 2014 season. His résumé would immediately command attention in Boulder.

There is also a regional factor. Mullen is currently building at UNLV, giving him experience with recruiting and operating in the western part of the country. A move to Colorado would still represent a significant step up in resources and expectations.

Willie Fritz offers a proven program builder

Willie Fritz represents a different type of candidate. The Houston coach has built successful programs at multiple stops, including Central Missouri, Sam Houston State, Central Arkansas, Tulane and now Houston. His résumé is built around sustained program improvement.

Fritz made his biggest recent mark at Tulane. He guided the Green Wave to the American Athletic Conference championship in 2022 and helped establish the program as a consistent contender. Houston then hired him before the 2024 season.

His first season with Houston ended 4-8. The turnaround came quickly, though. Houston improved to 10-3 in 2025, finished 6-3 in Big 12 play and defeated LSU, 38-35, in the Texas Bowl.

Fritz could provide an immediate reset

Fritz has already demonstrated that he can improve a program without relying on a celebrity-driven identity. His Houston teams have shown significant improvement since his arrival, giving him credibility with administrators seeking a steady football operation.

That background could appeal to Colorado if officials decide the program needs a different structure. Fritz is also already coaching in the Big 12, meaning he understands the conference’s current landscape and recruiting challenges.

Houston’s 2026 team has continued to perform well. The Cougars improved to 4-1 after rallying past UCF, 27-17, on Oct. 3. That result pushed Houston into the national conversation again under Fritz.

Jason Eck is gaining momentum

Jason Eck may be the most intriguing rising candidate. The New Mexico coach arrived in Albuquerque after three seasons at Idaho. He had already demonstrated his ability to rebuild programs before taking over the Lobos.

Eck made an immediate impact in New Mexico. The Lobos went 9-4 during his first season, reached the Rate Bowl and earned their first bowl appearance since 2016. It was a major turnaround for the program.

New Mexico has continued that momentum in 2026. The Lobos improved to 4-1 after crushing UTEP, 61-7, on Oct. 3. The victory included 5 takeaways and moved New Mexico to 1-0 in Mountain West play.

Fun fact: Jason Eck and his son Jaxton made FBS history in 2025 when Jason was named Mountain West Coach of the Year and Jaxton was named Co-Defensive Player of the Year. New Mexico Lobos official source

Eck has a connection to Colorado’s leadership

One reason Eck could make sense is his connection with Colorado athletic director Fernando Lovo. Lovo previously hired Eck at New Mexico, giving the athletic director firsthand knowledge of his coaching style and program-building ability.

That familiarity could matter if Colorado begins a serious coaching search. Hiring decisions often depend on more than win totals. Existing relationships can provide administrators with greater confidence about leadership style and organizational fit.

Eck would also represent a younger option than Fritz. He has experience at several levels and has already shown that he can improve programs. His rapid progress at New Mexico makes him a coach worth monitoring.

Colorado still has major decisions ahead

Colorado’s current situation remains fluid. In 2025, Sanders signed a contract extension through 2029. The agreement was worth $54 million over 5 years, including a $10 million base salary in 2025.

That contract could complicate any coaching change. Colorado would need to weigh the financial cost against the program’s direction. Sanders’ 2025 team finished 3-9, while the 2026 Buffaloes are now 2-3 after the Texas Tech loss.

There is also plenty of season left. Colorado has not announced plans to replace Sanders. Any discussion of Mullen, Fritz or Eck remains speculation unless the university begins an official search.

Each candidate offers a different path

Mullen would give Colorado the most recognizable résumé. He has coached in the SEC and won at Mississippi State and Florida. His current work at UNLV also shows that he can rebuild after time away.

Fritz would offer experience and stability. His success at Tulane and Houston demonstrates an ability to improve programs over multiple seasons. He also understands the Big 12 and has already produced a 10-win season at Houston.

Eck would provide a younger program-builder with strong recent momentum. He turned New Mexico into a bowl team in his first season and has the Lobos at 4-1 in 2026.

The next move will depend on Colorado

For now, Colorado’s coaching situation remains unresolved. Sanders is still the head coach, and the university has not indicated that a change is imminent. The Buffaloes will have opportunities to alter the narrative during the remainder of 2026.

The Texas Tech loss nevertheless increased scrutiny around the program. Colorado struggled with turnovers, penalties and quarterback consistency during the defeat. Sanders has also acknowledged the need for improvement after the team’s uneven start.

If Colorado eventually decides to move on, Mullen, Fritz and Eck provide three distinct possibilities. One offers a Power Four experience. Another brings long-term program building. The third represents a rising coach with recent success.

TL;DR

• Colorado fell to 2-3 after losing 29-7 to No. 12 Texas Tech on Oct. 3.
• Dan Mullen, Willie Fritz and Jason Eck have emerged in media speculation as possible Sanders replacements.
• Mullen brings SEC experience and recent success at UNLV.
• Fritz led Houston to a 10-3 record and Texas Bowl win in 2025.
• Eck has New Mexico at 4-1 after leading the Lobos to a 9-4 record in his first season.
• Colorado has not announced a coaching change, and Sanders remains under contract through 2029.

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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.