"Nick Saban got the credit": Former NFL player calls out Shannon Sharpe for deflecting credit away from Deion Sanders

Former NFL player Marcus "Doc" Holliday called out Shannon Sharpe for downplaying Deion Sanders' impact on Colorado's success. On “First Take,” Stephen A. Smith and Sharpe discussed the Colorado Buffaloes’ achievement of becoming bowl-eligible for the first time since 2016, debating if Sanders deserves Coach of the Year honors.

Currently ranked 23rd nationally after their win over Cincinnati, the Buffaloes are enjoying their first top-25 ranking this season.

While Smith praised Sanders for his turnaround at Colorado, Sharpe’s compliments seemed more reserved, directing credit toward the team's coordinators instead.

Holliday, a former Memphis Tigers player, pointed this out.

Sharpe, on the contributions of Colorado defensive coach Robert Livingston and offensive coach Pat Shurmur, said:

“I love the way this team is playing Robert Livingston on the defensive side of the football,” Sharpe said. "Pat Shurmur on the offensive side of the football utahPat Shurmur has coached in the NFL. He's a pro style coach and that's what Coach Prime needed.” [Timestamp - 2:55]

In response, Holliday drew comparisons to other top coaches, noting figures like Nick Saban at Alabama and Brian Kelly.

“When Nick Saban was coaching Alabama. Nick Saban got credit rightfully,” Holliday said. “Dan Landing, we don't hear about this coordinate we hear about him. Brian Kelly, when he was doing this thing. Chip Kelly, we heard about them. We ain't hear about the coordinators, so is it me?

“Y'all ask me, y'all tell me if I'm overthinking it so much that Shannon really wasn't giving Deion all the credit that Deion deserves.”

Holliday agrees with Smith that Sanders has truly earned the praise.

“Sanders is the coach of the year right down turning in Colorado around that way,” he said.

Although Holliday had previously said he no longer watches "First Take," he said:

“I made videos before said, and ‘I don't watch First Take’ which I did stop watching it,” he said. “But I do occasionally still watch it. So I shouldn't have said that I don't watch it because fact of the matter is, it is.”

With six wins this season, the Buffaloes have exceeded last year’s four-win record, officially securing bowl eligibility and making a statement under Sanders’ leadership.

Shannon Sharpe on Deion Sanders’ envision

Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders (Source: Imagn

The Buffaloes are preparing for games against Texas Tech, Utah, Kansas and Oklahoma State, and their current form suggests they have a good chance of winning 10 games this season. Coach Prime took over a troubled program that went 1-12 and made it bowl-eligible in just two years.

On “First Take,” Shannon Sharpe said:

“This is what Coach Prime envisioned when he took the job over he said ‘give me some time’. People were unwilling to give him time.”

Stephen A. Smith even named Deion Sanders his “Coach of the Year,” pointing out that he has led the Buffaloes to a 6-2 record. Plus, Travis Hunter is emerging as a strong Heisman Trophy contender.