Deion Sanders finds himself back at the top of the football headlines.
Sanders led the Colorado Buffaloes to an upset 45-42 win over TCU. Led by one of the best players in the country, Travis Hunter, and the son of Deion Sanders, Shedeur Sanders, who threw for over 500 yards and five touchdowns, Colorado got the upset win to kick off Deion’s tenure at Colorado.
Deion Sanders the Athlete
Before delving into his coaching tenure, it is essential to touch upon Sanders’ illustrious playing career. Sanders dominated both the NFL and MLB during his time as a professional athlete. Primarily recognized as one of the greatest cornerbacks in football history, he was known for his exceptional speed, agility, and knack for making game-changing plays on the field. A two-time Super Bowl champion, Primetime earned numerous accolades, including eight Pro Bowl selections and the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 1994.
Deion, the Texas High School Football Coach
After retiring from professional sports, Sanders initially embarked on a successful career as a football analytics, while continuing to cash in on his commercial value. However, in 2013, Sanders got back into the game, this time as a Texas high school football coach.
After co-founding the Prime Prep Academy, Sanders assumed the role of head coach for the institution. He held this position from 2012 to 2013, significantly shaping the school’s athletic program and mentoring the young athletes under his tutelage. Subsequently, in 2015, Sanders transitioned to Triple A Academy, where he was appointed head coach for two seasons. During his tenure at Triple A Academy, Sanders continued to showcase his coaching prowess and contributed to the growth and development of the team.
In 2017, Sanders took on the offensive coordinator role at Trinity Christian High School in Cedar Hill, Texas, providing him with the unique opportunity to coach his sons, Shilo and Shedeur. With his guidance, the Tigers achieved an impressive three consecutive Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) championships, solidifying their status as one of the top teams in the league.
Under Sanders’ leadership, the Tigers notched an exceptional record of 42 wins against a mere three losses, a testament to his ability to orchestrate offensive prowess and propel his team to consistent success.
Deion Sanders, the Division 1 Football Coach
In September 2020, Deion Sanders took on the role of the 21st head coach for the Jackson State Tigers, a team representing Jackson State University in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), known for its historical significance as a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). The team competes in the second level of NCAA football.
In his first season during the spring of 2021, which had been delayed and shortened due to COVID-19 disruptions, Sanders guided the Tigers to a 4-3 record, including one win by forfeit. The following fall season in 2021, Sanders achieved remarkable success, leading the Tigers to the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) title and a record-breaking 11 wins.
Eddie Robinson Award and Continued Coaching Success
Recognized for his outstanding coaching performance, Sanders was honored with the Eddie Robinson Award as the top FCS head coach for the fall 2021 season. The team participated in the 2021 Celebration Bowl, where they faced South Carolina State but were defeated 31-10. In the subsequent season, they returned to the Celebration Bowl, but were defeated again, this time by North Carolina Central with a score of 41-34. Sanders’ overall bowl record stands at 0-2.
Notably, Sanders made waves in recruiting by gaining the commitment of defensive back Travis Hunter, the top overall recruit in the 2022 class. Hunter initially pledged his commitment to Florida State, Sanders’ alma mater, before joining Jackson State. This move was heralded as a significant moment in college football recruiting, as it is uncommon for high-level recruits to choose Football Championship Subdivision programs or HBCUs directly out of high school. Hunter’s decision marked the first time a five-star recruit had signed with an FCS program.
Sanders led Jackson State to an impressive 27-6 record during his three-year tenure. However, it is important to note that in December 2022, Sanders accepted the position as head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, a new chapter in his coaching career.
This new chapter at Colorado is off to a great start, with the win over #17 ranked TCU. Colorado will host the Matt Rhule and the Nebraska Cornhuskers next. The Buffaloes have only 4 teams remaining on their schedule that are currently ranked, and with their playmakers, they should find themselves able to compete with most teams. Starting the season 1-0, Colorado has a decent chance to turn their 2022 1-11 record into an above .500 season in 2023.
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