Deion Sanders has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround at the University of Colorado since taking over the Buffaloes football program nearly two years ago. His ability to transform a team that went 1-11 in 2022 into a 9-3 contender in just two seasons has made him one of the most talked-about coaches in college football. But could Sanders’ next move take him to the NFL?
Former Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III believes there’s only one scenario in which Sanders would leave Colorado for the professional ranks.
From Cellar to Contender
Sanders took over a struggling Colorado program in December 2022 and immediately set about revitalizing the team. In his first season, the Buffaloes finished 4-8—an improvement, albeit modest. This year, however, the team surged to a 9-3 record, remaining in contention for the Big 12 title deep into the regular season.
Sanders’ success has been driven in part by his unique recruiting ability and the standout performances of quarterback Shedeur Sanders (his son) and two-way star Travis Hunter, who was a Heisman Trophy finalist. The program’s rapid ascent has turned Boulder into a destination for top recruits and made Sanders one of the most intriguing figures in college sports.
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Could Sanders Jump to the NFL?
Despite his success at Colorado, Sanders’ name has frequently been floated as a candidate for NFL coaching jobs. However, Griffin believes Sanders’ future in the pros hinges on a very personal condition.
“If he has an opportunity to coach his son? Yes,” Griffin told Sports Illustrated in a recent interview. “I think that’s the only way Deion takes an NFL coaching job. He’s built something at Colorado that is going to be a consistent winner now. I don’t think he leaves that to coach somebody else.”
Griffin went on to elaborate:
“But if he has an opportunity to coach Shedeur and Shilo [another of Sanders’ sons] and probably try to sneak Travis [Hunter] in there… I don’t know if that’s gonna happen. If he has a chance to go coach Shedeur, I think he will. If not, I think he stays at Colorado.”
The Shedeur Factor
Shedeur Sanders has emerged as one of the top quarterback prospects in college football under his father’s tutelage. With his pinpoint accuracy and strong leadership, Shedeur has elevated Colorado’s offense and positioned himself as a likely first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
If Shedeur lands with an NFL team that would entertain the idea of hiring Deion Sanders as head coach, it could pave the way for a rare father-son dynamic at the professional level. The opportunity to coach both Shedeur and Shilo in the NFL would undoubtedly be a tempting proposition for the elder Sanders.
A Commitment to Colorado
For now, Sanders seems committed to building on his success at Colorado. His recruiting efforts have reshaped the program, and his celebrity status has brought unprecedented attention to Boulder. Leaving behind a program on the rise for a new challenge in the NFL may not appeal to Sanders—unless it means continuing to work with his sons.
Griffin’s assessment underscores the emotional connection Sanders has to his players, particularly his children. It also highlights the unique position Sanders occupies as both a coach and a father, navigating the line between personal and professional aspirations.
The Road Ahead
With Shedeur likely entering the NFL Draft after the upcoming season, the stars could align for Sanders to follow his son into the professional ranks. However, unless that scenario materializes, Griffin believes Sanders will remain at Colorado, where he’s building something special.
“He’s not going to leave Colorado to coach just anybody,” Griffin said. “But if the opportunity comes to coach Shedeur, that’s a different story.”
As the NFL offseason approaches and coaching vacancies emerge, Sanders’ name is sure to generate buzz. Whether or not he makes the leap, his impact on the game—at both the college and professional levels—is undeniable.
