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Report: Deion Sanders Offered Colorado HC Job; 'Has Legit Interest' in Position
November 26, 2022
The University of Colorado has reportedly offered its football head coaching job to NFL legend and Jackson State head coach Deion Sanders.
Fox Sports' Bruce Feldman reported Saturday that Sanders has "legit interest" in the Buffaloes job:
FOX College Football @CFBONFOXRecently, a couple big names have been offered Head Coaching jobs š§<a href="https://twitter.com/BruceFeldmanCFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BruceFeldmanCFB</a> fills us in on some potential moves within CFB š <a href="https://t.co/44FZBaEG8n">pic.twitter.com/44FZBaEG8n</a>
In October, the Pro and College Football Hall of Famer told CBS' 60 Minutes he'd listen to offers if a Power Five school showed interest.
"I'm going to have to entertain it," Sanders said. "Straight up. I'd be a fool not to."
The 55-year-old Florida native took over the Jackson State program in 2020 and quickly turned the Tigers into an FCS powerhouse. They've compiled a 26-5 record during his tenure, including an unblemished 11-0 mark so far in 2022.
His name recognition is a major advantage on the recruiting trail, something that should translate to the FBS level, and Jackson State has dominated opponents on the field, racking up a plus-239 (309-70) point differential this season.
So it's not much of a surprise Power Five schools have started calling.
If he accepts the Colorado job, he'll be tasked with turning around a program that's posted a 1-10 record this season and has only finished inside the postseason Top 25 once since 2003.
In that regard, it would be a soft landing spot for Sanders, as he'd likely be given significant leeway to turn around a squad that's nowhere near contention.
ESPN's Adam Rittenberg and Chris Low reported Wednesday other candidates for the Buffs job have included:
- Former BYU and Virginia head coach Bronco Mendenhall
- Former Houston and Texas head coach Tom Herman
- Illinois defensive coordinator Ryan Walters
- Texas co-defensive coordinator Jeff Choate
- North Dakota State head coach Matt Entz
- Sacramento State head coach Troy Taylor
While Colorado has cast a wide net, Sanders represents the option with the highest upside in terms of a turnaround to regain national notoriety.
Jackson State is scheduled to play in the SWAC Football Championship Game on Dec. 3 against either Prairie View A&M or Southern. It's unclear whether Sanders will make a decision before that contest.