“Sorry for You Loss”: Colorado Director’s Father Passes Away at 79, Deion Sanders’ Confidant Offers Emotional Support

June 13 has been a mourning day in Boulder as another sad news plagued the Colorado Buffaloes. Tough times for Buffs Director of Player Development, James Chaney who lost his father on Wednesday, June 12 at 79. We all know about the contributions of Chaney to the Buffaloes.

While Buffs HC Deion Sanders is yet to pour his condolences, the University of Colorado Football Assistant Director of Player Personnel, Devin Rispress ensures to stand by Chaney’s side in the tough times. Of course, the Florida connection that Chaney and Rispress share goes a long way outside the gridiron too.

Rispress’ support among Chaney’s personal loss

In one Buff’s hard time, they always find the other Buff by their side. This time too there has been no exception. While the Colorado-loyal, Chaney is still figuring out his personal loss, Rispress wastes no time in voicing his support. It was evident from the CU director’s tweet how much his father meant to him. He confirmed the sad news on X, which read, “Aye Pop It Was An Absolute Pleasure…THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING ‼️ James Chaney. Sr Jan 11, 1945 – June 12, 2024”. This post was then re-shared by Rispress who extended his support in the caption. 

Since both Chaney and Rispress share the same roots, both hailing from Florida, he secures a special place in the AD’s heart. Here came Rispress with a heartwarming post extending his emotional support, “Sorry for you loss brother, from florida boy to florida boy my heart and prayers goes out to you and your family”. This support will go a long way to further strengthen the Buffs bonding with Chaney. 

Emotion runs high in Chaney’s attachment to Buffaloes

Chaney did not have a second thought before transferring from Leigh. Even though he had held the head coaching position in his previous program since 2015, he resigned to head west and land in Boulder. The reason was the reunion with Deion Sanders who made his stay in Boulder feel like second home. It was much before Colorado Buffaloes, that Chaney shared a special bond with Deion Sanders who happened to be his former North Fort Myers High School and Florida State teammate. 

Coach Prime and Chaney share similar traits as both of them are very serious about their coaching roles. His tweet from May 18 captured his sincerity, “Be careful choosing the coaching path…you become emotionally tied to your players for life. I just had a player I coached in youth football get 40yrs…I swear it’s killin me!” 

On May 23, he celebrated Colorado Football’s success of getting the 2nd highest term GPA in CU Football History. Even though Chaney is yet to receive emotional support from ex-teammate-turned-collague, Deion Sanders, Coach Prime’s confidant, Rispress fills the Buffs HC’s place for the time being.