A surprising departure
Deion Sanders took to social media to confirm that Jason Phillips, a fixture on the Colorado staff for more than two decades, had officially retired. The coach described Phillips as a longtime friend and praised the veteran’s ability to develop talent, citing the growth of receivers such as Jimmy Horn Jr., LaJohntay Wester and Travis Hunter during the Coach Prime era.
Phillips’ exit comes as the Buffaloes are re‑engineering their offensive scheme. The program has introduced a fast‑paced Go‑Go system that emphasizes quick throws and dynamic route combinations. With Phillips gone, the team is looking to Rashad Davis to assume the primary role in guiding the receiving corps through this transition.
What’s next for the Buffaloes?
The retirement aligns with a broader restructuring of Colorado’s football operations. Fall camp opened in Colorado Springs, where players are already adapting to the new system and the added responsibilities of Davis, who is expected to shape the next generation of playmakers.
All eyes will be on the Buffaloes when they open the season against Georgia Tech on September 3. The matchup will serve as the first real test of the revamped coaching staff and the new offensive identity that Sanders hopes will propel the team back to relevance in the Pac‑12.