Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders has become a hot topic in NFL circles thanks to his turnaround of the once-struggling college football program.
The 57-year-old Sanders inherited a team that managed just one win in 2022 and has led them to an impressive 9-3 record this season, securing the 23rd spot in national rankings.
Sanders’ success has fueled speculation about a potential leap to the NFL coaching ranks, particularly as his top players – son and quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way phenom Travis Hunter – are set to enter the 2025 NFL Draft.
Both are projected as top-four picks, leaving questions about Sanders’ next career move.
While Sanders has repeatedly stated his commitment to Colorado, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that the Las Vegas Raiders could be a likely option should the team part ways with head coach Antonio Pierce.
“One team comes up often when asking people around the league about a potential fit: the Las Vegas Raiders,” Fowler wrote.
“Las Vegas doesn’t have an opening, but this is a job people are watching closely, especially considering how the 2-10 Raiders finish the season under Pierce.”
Fowler highlighted the unique dynamic within the Raiders organization, where team owner Mark Davis and minority owner Tom Brady could play significant roles in future decisions.
“The belief among many in the league is that Tom Brady, now a minority owner of the Raiders, will have some level of influence over major decisions, and team owner Mark Davis will covet his knowledge and insight,” Fowler added.
“If Brady is looking for a fellow GOAT, Sanders has a compelling case as the best cornerback in NFL history.”
An AFC executive agreed with Fowler’s theory that the Raiders are very much in-play for Sanders.
“If there’s one fit, it’s Vegas because of the culture there and the bright [Vegas] lights and Davis’ willingness to do something different. Not sure whether it would work, but it would be exciting,” the executive said.
Despite the swirling rumors, Sanders has consistently expressed satisfaction with his current role. However, it is widely understood that he cannot openly entertain NFL opportunities while under contract at Colorado.
“I’m happy where I am, man,” Sanders said recently. “I’ve got a kickstand down. You know what a kickstand is? … That means 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.”
All of that sounds great. However, it’s hard to see Sanders having his “kickstand down” in Boulder for much longer, especially since his sons are soon leaving.
The Raiders’ future head coaching decision could become a focal point in 2025, particularly if they secure a top-five draft pick, putting them in prime position to select either Hunter or Shedeur Sanders.
One of the league’s worst-kept secrets is that Davis and the Raiders would absolutely love to draft Shedeur.
They could very well end up with the first overall pick in the draft when it’s all said and done. However, even if they don’t, you get the feeling that Davis and company would have no problem trading up to the top spot to ensure they get Shedeur.
Davis and the Raiders have struggled to find coaching stability in recent years.
Missteps with hires such as Dennis Allen, Jack Del Rio, and Josh McDaniels have underscored the team’s inconsistency.
Critics argue the Raiders should prioritize proven NFL coaching veterans like Bill Belichick or Mike Vrabel over a relative newcomer like Sanders.
However, for better or worse, hiring “Coach Prime” would be such a Raiders move to make. You know it. I know it. Everyone knows it.
Of course, the Raiders are not the only team rumored to be in the mix for Sanders. His old team, the Dallas Cowboys, are said to be interested as well. (And according to Deion’s buddy Michael Irvin, the interest is very much mutual.)
Whether we like it or not, these Sanders NFL rumors won’t be going away anytime soon.
What are your thoughts on the reports that Deion, along with his son, may soon be on their way to Vegas???