Renck: At CU, “Slash” burned CSU. The idea that Kordell Stewart would coach the Rams 33 years later seems as preposterous as the 409 yards he passed for in his debut as a starter. They are, after all, the rival and his resume is light, consisting of one season as a volunteer high school offensive coordinator. But moving into these roles without traditional training has become common. With Stewart eager to return to college, it raises the question: Could he help CU more? With both programs spiraling on the front range, which is the better job for Stewart or anyone: CSU coach or CU athletic director?
Keeler: Trying to fix CSU football pays better — Jay Norvell was slated to make $2 million in 2026, if he had been given a 2026. But that’s an easy call for Kordell. It’s CU. For one, Rams football is not a starter job, unless you were born on third base or are bringing a Heisman-level quarterback with you to build around from Day 1. Per USA Today’s database of ’21-22 athletic department revenues, only Washington State, Oregon State and San Diego State had bigger Pac-12 purses to play with than the Rams. You’re not expected to just hang around and collect checks from this new league. FoCo faithful expect you to try and win it.
Renck: I will never forget the first time I saw Stewart working out in Boulder. He looked like a Greek god and could throw a football 80 yards. And he showed it during the “Miracle at Michigan.” He would need another Hail Mary to land the CSU job. The Rams cannot afford to take this big of a risk on someone lacking experience, unless it is Texas A&M offensive coordinator Collin Klein. They need the next Jason Eck, who has revitalized New Mexico’s program. Or Eck himself with an offer he cannot refuse. Former Boise State coach Bryan Harsin, who melted at Auburn, would also fit. It is hard to see CSU considering Stewart when alumni Tony Alford and Matt Lubick are on the radar.
Keeler: Eck, who played under Barry Alvarez at Wisconsin and later coached at CU, would be wise to angle for a better, bigger job than CSU’s to open up. If you can make people notice the Lobos, you’ve got the chops to make some noise in the Power 4. (Looking at you, Bucky Badger.) If the Rams can’t land Klein, whose unbeaten Aggies just rallied from a 30-3 halftime deficit to beat South Carolina, they need a proven, plug-and-play coach who can hit the high ground running. If we’re chasing wild cards, why not UC-Davis boss Tim Plough?
Renck: Would an AI Chatbot be a good fit for AD at CU? Deion Sanders earned his contract, but the extension gave him keys to the kingdom. The next athletic director will need the chops to hold honest, if not sterile, conversations with Coach Prime about his health and vision for the program. You can’t have a coach make $10 million a year and not be competitive on multiple Saturdays. Asking Stewart to walk into this CU hornet’s nest is not fair to him. The role requires a seasoned front office vet — Jeremy Bloom has stumped for former Broncos vice president of player personnel Matt Russell — with a plan to provide Sanders long-term success or create an exit strategy that makes sense. Would Sanders forego a future in television, for instance, to serve as the general manager of CU football? Again, uncomfortable talks are required. Stewart needs a soft landing spot to start. And this is not that.
Keeler: Coach Prime’s circle of trust is tighter than the security at Fort Knox. But as an old friend, Stewart has owned a pass code for years. That’s not insignificant. George’s replacement has a tricky needle to thread. Sanders has become Buffs football — he is the CU brand, the university, the icon, the bread-winner. He knows it. They know it. The leverage is entirely his. But if health issues persist and force everybody’s hand, the university also needs a Plan B that keeps the Buffs in the national discussion and television networks coming to Boulder. Make Coach Prime football coach emeritus. Or GM. Or whatever. Sanders’ greatest gift to CU, other than Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, isn’t his coaching. It’s his presence.
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