Deion Sanders: Why He Won’t Coach in the NFL and the Potential for a Return
Deion Sanders, a former NFL player and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, recently sat down with fellow former Dallas Cowboys star Troy Aikman on Sanders’ show, “We Got Time Today.” During their conversation, the topic of Sanders potentially returning to professional football came up.
The Modern Practice Style: A Dealbreaker for Sanders
While Sanders has extensive experience in the NFL, he expressed reservations about coaching in the league due to the modern-day practice style. He explained, “The way they practice, the way they go about it, I couldn’t take it — as a man, and as a football enthusiast. I care about the game… There’s no way I could allow that to happen on my watch. That would be tough.”
Sanders’ Coaching Journey and Success at the Collegiate Level
Since retiring from playing, Sanders has become a media star and focused on coaching at the collegiate level. After a successful three-season run at Jackson State, he took the job at the University of Colorado. The Buffaloes showed improvement under his leadership in 2024, fueling speculation about a potential move to the NFL.
Previous Dismissal of NFL Coaching Suggestion
This is not the first time Sanders has dismissed the idea of coaching in the NFL. In 2022, he stated in an interview with “60 Minutes” that he “couldn’t coach” at the pro level. He emphasized that it’s not just about fame or money but about the love of the game and the way things are done in the league today.
Coaching His Sons and the Dallas Cowboys Connection
When asked about his NFL coaching prospects, Sanders mentioned that he would only consider coaching his sons, not just one but both. The Dallas Cowboys, who recently parted ways with head coach Mike McCarthy, were rumored to have had conversations with Sanders during their search for a new coach. Although the Cowboys ultimately hired Brian Schottenheimer, Aikman believes Sanders would have been a great fit and successful in leading the team.
The Impact of Sanders’ Personality and Coaching Style
Aikman acknowledged that Sanders may have a greater impact at the college level, where he can mold young men. However, Aikman also emphasized that people may underestimate Sanders’ potential as an NFL coach. He described Sanders as someone who would command the room and make it clear that he is in charge. Aikman believes this is important for any organization, as the head coach should be the one calling the shots.
The Shared Super Bowl Victory and Coaching Success
Aikman and Sanders were teammates when the Cowboys won the Super Bowl in 1996. Sanders has already proven himself as a successful coach, having coached Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and his own sons, Shedeur Sanders and Shilo Sanders, at both Jackson State and the University of Colorado. All three players are now pursuing professional football careers, with Shedeur and Hunter expected to be first-round picks in the upcoming NFL Draft.
In conclusion, while Sanders may not be interested in coaching in the NFL due to the current practice style, his coaching success and potential impact cannot be overlooked. Whether he returns to the NFL or continues to excel at the collegiate level, Sanders’ passion for the game and his ability to lead and inspire players are undeniable.
