In his efforts to renew the Colorado Buffaloes and improve the team, head coach Deion Sanders is leaving no stone unturned. Coach Prime, a former defensive back himself, has reportedly sought the help of Xavier Adibi. 

In an X post, the Colorado Buffaloes Wire reported the coaching staff development on June 22.

“Sanders is set to hire former NFL linebacker Xavier Adibi as part of the Buffaloes' defensive staff for 2026, according to CBS Sports reporter Matt Zenitz,” their article, published on the same day, said. 

Zenitz did not specify which position Adibi would be hired and responsible for. However, since he was a linebacker, it is estimated that he would be in charge of the same role.

“It’'s safe to say that Sanders is looking to ensure his front seven is right before the Buffs' opener,” the Buffaloes Wire wrote. 

Adibi, their alumnus, served as Virginia Tech’s inside linebackers coach. He played in the NFL for three seasons and joined the Hokies as their defensive analyst in 2022. Adibi wasn’t always a part of the Power Four. He was the defensive coordinator at East Texas A&M. 

The program was a relatively new FCS school and known as Texas A&M Commerce then. This brewing development raises an important question. Why does a Hall of Fame defensive player like Sanders need assistance in coaching the unit right up his sleeve?

Deion Sanders’ Buffaloes record and health issues

When the vivacious Deion Sanders arrived at Boulder as their new head coach, the program was buzzing with high hopes and fresh energy. However, he underperformed and delivered a 16-21 record over the past three seasons. 

While his Buffs team was tasting defeats on the field, Sanders was silently battling a series of grave medical ailments. Coach Prime was diagnosed with bladder cancer, and he underwent 16 surgeries since 2021. 

Now that he is cancer-free, he revealed how, at times, he was often uncomfortable and hyperconscious during games due to his weak bladder. He shared how he is enjoying his life in a Good Morning America interview. 

“God has brought me through. I’m thankful, I’m healthy. I got my swagger back. Like, I’m ready to go, coach my b*** off. And I'm having a good time.”

He, however, needs assistance for this huge overhaul. In 2025, out of 136 teams, his program ranked 116th in scoring defense and 123rd in total defense. Will Xavier Adibi prove to be of help? It is to be seen.

Read more at the Michigan Football Community!

Written by

Akanksha Biradar