Deion Sanders’ Top Recruiter Nick Williams Leaving Colorado For Syracuse

University of Colorado defensive line coach Nick Williams is leaving to coach defensive ends at Syracuse University.

University of Colorado defensive line coach Nick Williams is leaving the program to take a job at Syracuse University.

Sports Illustrated‘s BuffsBeat reports Williams announced he was leaving Colorado on social media, writing “Blessed,” along with a picture of himself and the Syracuse S logo on a graphic that read “Defensive Ends,” suggesting that is the position he will coach for the Orange.

Blessed 🤲🏾 pic.twitter.com/tMXldJUHwm
— Nick Williams (@CoachNickWill) December 4, 2023

Williams, who spent one year in Colorado with Sanders after leaving Texas A&M, was considered one of Colorado’s strongest recruiters. Before coaching at Texas A&M, Williams spent three seasons at the University of Georgia as a student and graduate assistant from 2018 to 2020, helping the Bulldogs to the No. 1 ranked recruiting classes in both 2018 and 2020.

For Sanders, this is another departure from his program since its 4-8 season ended. Nine players on the Buffaloes’ roster this season have hit the transfer portal. In addition to Williams, offensive line coach Bill O’Boyle, tight ends coach Tim Brewster, and former offensive coordinator Sean Lewis are also leaving.

Colorado’s season started with plenty of fanfare as the Buffaloes defeated TCU and in-state rival Colorado State in front of celebrity-laden crowds. However, once they got into Pac-12 play, Colorado struggled on offense and defense. Star quarterback Shedeur Sanders was sacked an alarming 52 times during the season.

“I am happy for Sean Lewis. I am happy for whomever he took with him. I am happy that he’s elevated,” Sanders said, according to SI. “Sean is a good guy. I have no quarrels with Coach Lewis. Coach Lewis did a phenomenal job in the time he was able to do his job. I am happy for him. I am happy for Nick [Williams] going to Louisville and prospering. I am happy for Brewster [Tim Brewster]. I’m happy for these guys.”