Paul Finebaum hasn’t been shy about criticizing Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes. He’s even coined terms like “industry-created coaching celebrity” to describe Coach Prime, and his commentary often paints a less-than-flattering picture of his football program.

Even recently, during the SEC media days, he did the same! He threw shades at the Buffaloes HC and his team, who are entering the Big 12. However, within days, there might be a shift in Finebaum’s stance. And Finebaum surprisingly switched on his ‘fanboy’ mode.

In the July 26th ESPN Network video, the analyst seemed genuinely interested in Deion’s personal life. After watching clips of Coach Prime enjoying a fishing trip with friends, Finebaum’s curiosity was piqued. He asked fellow ESPN analyst Carl Reed about his experience hanging out with Deion. “Wanna know about you and Prime….I know he’s a close friend of yours, please excuse me the Fanboy questions. What’s he like to hang out with” Finebaum asked.

Now,  Reed took this chance praising him as “always honest, always shows you a great time.” “You would be surprised the amount of guys that call him for advice. Rather it be other coaches other professionals, NFL players it’s always a lot going on,” he added. At this point, Finebaum was clearly impressed by Deion’s ability to balance his hectic schedule. Reed also explained that Coach Prime has a dedicated team to help him manage his time effectively and noted how “he’s very regimented on how he handles that schedule” 

Now, from a vocal critic to a curious observer, Finebaum’s perspective on Deion Sanders seems to be evolving. But looks like, while Finebaum might be appreciating Deion the person, he’s probably still not completely sold on Deion the coach. 

Finebaum throws shade at Deion Sanders & Co.

Paul Finebaum hasn’t been kind to Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes. During an SEC interview on July 15th, he called the team “nothing” and accused them of having a “ridiculously inflated view of themselves.” He even brutally added that, “They’re irrelevant in the big picture of college football.” While the Buffs had a disappointing 4-8 record last year, it seems excessive to dismiss them entirely, considering their games still drew millions of viewers. But Finebaum didn’t stop there. He even doubted their chances of making the playoffs and predicted that Deion would get tired of Colorado and leave for another job.

Soon, Finebaum also suggested that Deion could be the answer to USC’s coaching problems. He gave a bizarre suggestion that he could be their HC after Lincoln Riley. But he quickly added a dig, saying, “He’s [Deion] going to tired of Colorado because quite frankly, it’s no prime time.” Now, it’s clear that Finebaum is enjoying taking shots at Coach Prime. 

Even Deion himself responded to the criticism with a sarcastic tweet, saying, “God is good my brother & they mad mad! I sense a bit of anger & hostility. Lolololololol God bless.” Looks like we’ll have to wait and see if Coach Prime can silence the criticisms by reaping wins as well.