Publications
Publications
- January 2024
- HBS Case Collection
Deion Sanders: The Prime Effect
By: Hise O. Gibson, Nicole Gilmore and Alicia Dadlani
Abstract
In 2023, Deion Sanders, known as “Coach Prime,” became head football coach of the University of Colorado Boulder (CU). Sanders was tasked with leading CU’s struggling football program, which had only achieved one winning season in the last 15 years, back to glory. Many were excited by the idea of having the two-time Super Bowl champion and Hall of Fame inductee as CU’s new head coach, but several questioned whether he had the experience and leadership needed to turn around a team in a highly competitive conference, as he only had two years of college coaching experience. In addition, some wondered whether his “old school” leadership style, which required a high level of discipline and personal accountability, would be effective on today’s student-athletes, while others questioned whether his approach was sustainable.
Keywords
Leadership Style; Leading Change; Management Style; Race; Prejudice and Bias; Sports; Experience and Expertise; Sports Industry; United States; Colorado
Citation
Gibson, Hise O., Nicole Gilmore, and Alicia Dadlani. "Deion Sanders: The Prime Effect." Harvard Business School Case 624-001, January 2024.