Colorado State Rams continue to dig deeper to find the right fit after Jay Norvell. But here’s a plot twist- a familiar face with ties to their in-state rivals has entered the picture. Yes, a longtime Deion Sanders ally eyes the Rams’ top job.

Former Colorado quarterback and Hall of Famer, Kordell Stewart’s name has picked up the buzz. On November 11, Josina Anderson tweeted, “I’m told former #Steelers #Ravens #Bears QB & Colorado Hall of Famer Kordell “SLASH” Stewart has retained Young Money APAA Sports for his representation as he pursues a collegiate head coaching opportunity. Sources say there’s interest in the open Colorado State job, & that Stewart has already assembled a veteran staff of prominent NCAA & NFL coaches.”

The 53-year-old signed with Lil Wayne’s Young Money APAA Sports agency, which also has Travis Hunter and Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig as signees. Well, Stewart actually requires no introduction. A proud member of the CU Athletic Hall of Fame (Class of 2018), he carved his name into Buffaloes history as a three-year starter under the legendary Bill McCartney.

Although he had a brief stint in Colorado from 1991 to 1994, he led the Buffaloes to 27 victories and accumulated 6,481 passing yards during his tenure. His legacy? Sealed forever with a 64-yard miracle toss to Michael Westbrook in the 1994 “Miracle at Michigan.” Call it a coincidence or not, Stewart’s first college start came against the Colorado State Rams in 1992, when he threw for 409 yards and four touchdowns in a 37-17 victory. Now, what’s the story behind his nickname “Slash?”

Notably, Stewart was selected in the second round of the 1995 NFL Draft and was capable of playing multiple positions. His NFL journey spanned a total of 11 seasons, with stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bears, and Baltimore Ravens. Now, years later, he wants to give college football head coaching a try. Perhaps all that experience could help CSU overcome its dismal 2-7 record from this season. Building for the future remains the key term as Stewart’s rock-solid experience helps the program.

More so with the Rams gearing up to join the revamped Pac-12 next summer. Even though Stewart did not hold a full-time head coaching role, he just wrapped up his first run as a volunteer offensive coordinator at South Forsyth High in Cumming, Georgia. The War Eagles battled through a tough 2–8 season, putting up 18.7 points per game, according to MaxPreps. In case the Rams hand over the head coaching keys to Stewart, will Deion and the Buffs be upset?

How Kordell Stewart became Coach Prime’s inner circle

They started as Super Bowl foes, Deion’s Cowboys beating Stewart’s Steelers in 1996. But fast forward a few years, and the two were teammates in Baltimore, bonding over their love for the game. That connection only grew stronger when Coach Prime later took over at Stewart’s alma mater. This, in turn, made him Deion’s close confidant and well-wisher as well.

When Colorado AD Rick George approached Deion about the head coaching job, out of others, Coach Prime thought of calling Stewart for his advice. “I gave him some inside stuff on what we needed to fix,” Stewart said. “He jumped on it right away — and the rest is history.” Time has tested their friendship, and it’s still unshakable. Not even a Colorado State coaching offer can drive a wedge between Stewart and Deion. Meanwhile, there is some unfinished business in the Rams squad, too.

Per his five-year deal, Jay Norvell’s buyout sits at $1.5 million, a modest figure that, according to Front Sports Office, ranks as the smallest among the 11 head coaching firings across college football this season. However, a smooth transition at Colorado State opens the door for several contenders.

Among them are Boise State’s Zak Hill, Michigan’s Tony Alford, and interim coach Tyson Summers. But can Kordell Stewart rise above the pack to earn his first college head coaching role?