Former NFL player leaves Deion Sanders’ staff weeks before start of season

SportsJason Phillips (right) is no longer on staff at Colorado working for Deion Sanders (left). (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesBy Matt Connolly | mconnolly@pennlive.comDeion Sanders has lost an assistant coach from his Colorado staff just as football season is about to get underway.Buffaloes wide receivers coach Jason Phillips is no longer with the program, Sanders confirmed Monday night on X.According to 247Sports, Colorado said that Phillips left the program to attend to a family matter.Sanders clarified that Phillips has opted to retire from coaching.“Coach Jason Phillips is my brother, my dawg & my dear friend,” Sanders posted on X. “He was even mentioned in my HOF speech because of how he helped me prepare for games with ATL. He’s retiring after a stellar career & please note several Buffs recs are in NFL camps currently. Love ya man 2 Life!”Phillips joined the Colorado staff ahead of the 2024 season. He also worked under Sanders at Jackson State in 2021.As a player, Phillips played at the University of Houston before being drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 10th round of the 1989 NFL Draft. He also spent time with the Atlanta Falcons.In total, Phillips played in 58 NFL games. He caught 49 passes for 578 yards and two touchdowns. Phillips’ best season came as a rookie when he caught 30 passes for 352 yards and a score.Matt Connolly is a Sports Trending Reporter for PennLive, writing about the NFL, college sports and other topics. He has covered college football and college basketball since 2010 and was on the Clemson beat...