Deion Sanders' assistant coaches to make record amount at Colorado in 2024

The contract details were released for Coach Prime's full-time assistants

Danielle Parhizkaran/North Jersey Record

Deion Sanders’ staff will look a little different entering his second season in Boulder. With five new coaches in place, not only will there be some new faces, but they’ll be handsomely paid.

According to contract details obtained by BuffZone.com earlier this week, Sanders’ ten full-time assistants are expected to earn a “combined $4.65 million in base and supplemental salary” in 2024, up from the record $4.59 million his assistants were paid last year. 

Among the biggest changes to Coach Prime’s staff going into year two will be his coordinators. Pat Shurmur, who was a co-offensive coordinator last season, was named the Buffaloes full-time play caller following Sean Lewis’ departure to San Diego State. The former NFL coach will make $800,000 this year and $850,000 in 2025. Robert Livingston, a former defensive backs coach for the Cincinnati Bengals was brought in to replace Charles Kelly as Colorado’s defensive coordinator. Per USA Today Sports, the 38-year-old Livingston will earn $800,000 this season and a whopping $995,000 in 2025, setting a single-season record for an assistant in Boulder. 

New wide receivers coach Jason Phillips, who made the move from the Canadian Football League, is slated to make $315,000 this season, and $340,000 next year. Former wide receivers coach Brett Bartolone has moved into a new role as the tight ends coach and will make $400,000 this season.

Former Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Phil Loadholt signed a one-year deal with the Buffaloes worth $325,000. Loadholt will impart his wisdom on a newly revamped offensive line which includes heralded five-star recruit Jordan Seaton. An analyst last season, Vincent Dancy was promoted to outside linebackers coach and will earn $350,000 this season, and $375,000 in 2025. 

Colorado has four returning assistants who are going into their final year of two-year deals. Gary Harrell (running backs), Andre Hart (linebackers) and Kevin Mathis (cornerbacks) will each make $425,000 this season. Defensive line coach Sal Sunseri will earn $385,000 in 2024, up $60,000 from last year.