FRISCO — Deion Sanders has shaken up the landscape of college football over the past two seasons since becoming the head coach at the University of Colorado. That in part has to do with the stellar talents he has developed in Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders, but also ties into his own allure of being “Coach Prime.”
Sanders’ first season saw the Buffaloes burst onto the scene with wins against TCU and Nebraska before quickly fading into irrelevancy in the PAC 12. He had a much better campaign the second time around, helping Colorado finish among the top half of the Big 12 and earn an appearance in the Alamo Bowl.
“Prime’s” unwavering confidence in himself and his team has helped Colorado elevate what was one of the worst FBS programs when he took over. Sanders has now developed a budding force in a power four conference.
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As a result of his success in the college game, some are calling for Sanders to return to the NFL where he made himself into a star and a Pro Football Hall of Famer. A few months ago, the Dallas Cowboys were the favored imagined destination with Mike McCarthy on a hotter seat at the time.
That fortune has now turned over to the Las Vegas Raiders, another big-name NFL franchise whose head coaching spot became vacant after the team fired Antonio Pierce on Tuesday. In response to the move spectators like Matt Leinart and Michael Fabiano spoke out in favor of Sanders making the leap to Las Vegas.
For now, Sanders has a simple message for those wanting him to leave the college ranks, saying back in November: “I’m happy where I am, man… I’ve got a kickstand down….. I’m resting. I’m good, I’m happy, I’m excited. I’m enthusiastic about where I am. I love it here, truly do.”
Could his opinion change in the future? Sure. But if the move to the NFL comes, it may come with a franchise positioned in a better spot to compete immediately. The Raiders have much to evaluate and develop with their franchise, starting with their head coach but also down to finding a quarterback.
A move to the Raiders does not make sense for either party and especially for Sanders who seems content with continuing to develop Colorado football.
