Deion Sanders is facing harsh criticism as Colorado continues to struggle, and former Buffaloes tight end Christian Fauria has delivered a blunt message to the head coach following their loss against Utah. Fauria was part of Colorado’s 1990 national championship team and played for the Buffaloes from 1990 to 1994.

Speaking on the “Initial Contact” YouTube channel with Richie Incognito, Fauria questioned the legacy of Sanders.

“Not letting him out of it. Only a coward would leave now when it’s hard, when it’s tough, when the criticism is at its peak,” Fauria said.

He added that he wants Sanders to become a better coach.

“I just want him to be a better coach. Like, that’s it. I just want him to speak, be more clear, recruit better, not leave town. You know, learn the fight song, sing the fight song when we want,” he added.

The criticism comes as the Buffaloes have lost four consecutive games after opening the season with wins over Georgia Tech and Weber State. Their latest defeat against Utah was frustrating, as they rallied from a 13-0 halftime deficit and briefly took the lead before falling short on the final play.

Sanders praised his players for fighting until the end and said he was proud of their effort. However, Fauria believes moral victories aren’t enough as the losses keep piling up.

Shannon Sharpe Calls Out Deion Sanders’ Recruiting Strategy

Fauria is not the only prominent figure questioning Sanders’ approach. Shannon Sharpe also argued that the Colorado coach needs to change how he recruits players, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with recruits and their families.

“It ain’t about you, it’s about these kids,” Sharpe said on Nightcap.

“Guys ain’t coming. If you can’t go to their house, their grandma’s house, their mom’s house, their granddad’s house, they’re not coming. It’s just not enough for you to be Deion Sanders, Coach Prime.”

Sharpe explained that Sanders can’t rely solely on his reputation as an NFL legend to attract top prospects. He believes the coach must personally visit recruits and demonstrate that their needs and families are a priority.

“You have to take yourself out of the equation. It ain’t about you, it’s about these kids. And you got to show them that it’s about them,” Sharpe added.

Colorado now sits at 2-4, with its next six games offering a chance to change the narrative around the program.