In recent weeks, speculation about Deion Sanders transitioning from Colorado to the NFL has gained traction. Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that Sanders reached out to the Las Vegas Raiders to express interest in their head coaching position.
Although the team has not interviewed Sanders and currently doesn’t seem to have plans to, circumstances could change—especially if they miss out on Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. While Sanders remains an unlikely candidate for the Raiders, star defensive end Maxx Crosby has made it clear he wouldn’t oppose the idea.
Crosby shared that he’s had a long-standing connection with the Sanders family, as his brother was once roommates with Deion Sanders Jr.
“I remember seeing Shedeur when he was a little kid when I was at their house in Texas,” Crosby said on the January 17 episode of Good Morning Football. “People don’t know that. I’ve known them forever. So I’m really close to Shedeur, Deion Jr., his whole family. They’re great people.”
When asked about the possibility of Sanders becoming the Raiders’ head coach, Crosby responded, “How could I be mad?” While he has opted to stay out of the team’s coaching search, his comments suggest he would support playing for Sanders.
Raiders Reportedly Have ‘Zero Interest’ in Deion Sanders
Deion Sanders has made significant strides in turning around Colorado’s football program. The team hadn’t achieved a winning season since 2014, but Sanders led them to nine wins this year.
Despite his success at the collegiate level and his extensive experience as a former NFL player, the Raiders appear uninterested in bringing him on as head coach. According to Vic Tafur and Tashan Reed of The Athletic, the team has no plans to seriously consider Sanders.
“There’s been some buzz about University of Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, but the Raiders have ‘zero interest’ in hiring him, according to a league source,” Reed and Tafur reported. “Agents using the stubbornly quiet Raiders for leverage goes as far back as the franchise’s losing.”
While the Raiders don’t appear to have Sanders on their radar, the coaching vacancy remains unfilled, leaving room for possibilities.
Could the Raiders Revisit the Idea of Hiring Sanders?
The leading candidates for the Raiders’ head coaching position are Ben Johnson and former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll. However, there’s no certainty that either will accept the role.
If both opt for other opportunities, the Raiders may need to broaden their search and could reconsider interviewing Sanders. Though he lacks NFL coaching experience and doesn’t call plays, Sanders’ presence could potentially influence his son, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, to join the team.
The Raiders are in desperate need of a franchise quarterback, and Shedeur is widely regarded as one of the top prospects in his class. A Sanders father-son duo could bring success to Las Vegas.
Alternatively, Deion Sanders could also be a natural fit for the Dallas Cowboys, where he spent much of his playing career. Regardless of where he ends up, the Raiders would be wise to keep all options on the table.
