Deion Sanders loses defensive coordinator to SEC school

Sep 2, 2023; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders walks on the field before the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The staff exodus from Colorado is continuing, leaving Deion Sanders with another role to fill.

Buffaloes defensive coordinator Charles Kelly is leaving for a job with Auburn, as first reported by Matt Zenitz of 247 Sports. Kelly’s new role is unclear, but ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg reported that he may be lined up for a co-defensive coordinator role.

Sources: Colorado defensive coordinator Charles Kelly is leaving for a position at Auburn. May be in a co-defensive coordinator role with the Tigers. Kelly is a former Auburn defensive back who has coached extensively in the state, including at Alabama from 2019-22. @mzenitz 1st.

— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) December 30, 2023

Kelly will have spent one season at Colorado under Sanders. Prior to that, he was an associate defensive coordinator and safeties coach at Alabama, and he has also worked at Georgia Tech, Florida State, and Tennessee.

This will leave the Buffaloes in the market for a new defensive coordinator. It is just the latest in a string of staff exits, as they also have to replace their offensive coordinator and at least one other key member of their defensive staff as well.