Deion Sanders, the charismatic head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, is no stranger to the spotlight. From revolutionizing Jackson State to turning Colorado football into must-see TV, Sanders has shown time and again that he thrives where the stakes are highest. Now, rumors are swirling that Coach Prime has his eyes on a new challenge: the Las Vegas Raiders’ head coaching position. With NFL legend and Raiders minority owner Tom Brady reportedly spearheading the team’s coaching search, Sanders’ name has become one to watch.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal quotes an unnamed person with knowledge of the situation as saying of Sanders, “He has a very strong interest in the job.” Could Sanders make the leap to the NFL? Here’s what the Raiders offer and how this potential move could impact both Colorado and Las Vegas. Sanders has made it clear that coaching his sons is a major factor in any NFL consideration. As he told Good Morning America, “The only way I would consider [coaching in the NFL] is to coach my sons. Not son. Sons.”
The Raiders’ Appeal: A Team in Transition
The Las Vegas Raiders represent a tantalizing opportunity for Sanders. While their 4-13 record in 2024 reflects a team in need of rebuilding, the franchise also offers an allure few can resist. The Raiders have a storied history, a passionate fan base, and a shiny Allegiant Stadium located in one of the most exciting cities in the world.
But what might attract Sanders most is the chance to solve the Raiders’ glaring quarterback issue. The team holds the No. 6 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and could be in position to draft his son, Shedeur Sanders, one of the top quarterback prospects.
With Brady reportedly involved in the coaching search and his longstanding relationship with Deion and Shedeur, the Raiders could offer the perfect storm of professional opportunity and family connection.
Colorado football coach Deion Sanders hugs his son, Shedeur Sanders, before facing Texas Tech.
© Stephen Garcia/ / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Sanders’ Track Record: A Builder of Programs
If there’s one thing Deion Sanders has proven, it’s that he knows how to build a winning program. At Jackson State, Sanders turned a struggling HBCU football team into a powerhouse, posting a 27-6 record over three seasons and earning back-to-back Southwestern Athletic Conference titles. His success earned him the Eddie Robinson Award as the top FCS coach.
He carried that momentum to Colorado, where he inherited a program that had just one win in 2022. Under Sanders’ leadership, the Buffaloes finished the 2024 season with a 9-4 record, highlighted by the sensational performances of Travis Hunter, who won the Heisman Trophy, and Shedeur Sanders, who threw for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns. Sanders’ ability to recruit top talent and galvanize teams has made him one of the most compelling figures in college football.
The Raiders, a team in desperate need of direction, could benefit greatly from Sanders’ charisma and ability to inspire players. His brand of leadership could breathe new life into a franchise that hasn’t seen consistent success in years.
The Colorado Question: What Happens If Sanders Leaves?
For Colorado fans, the idea of losing Sanders is bittersweet. While his success in Boulder has been transformative, his potential departure would leave a gaping hole in a program that has relied heavily on his star power. The Buffaloes have already secured commitments from elite recruits like Julian “JuJu” Lewis, the No. 1 quarterback in the 2025 class. However, Sanders’ presence has been the driving force behind the program’s resurgence.
On the other hand, Sanders’ potential exit could open the door for new leadership and allow Colorado to prove its staying power as a top-tier program. The infrastructure and excitement he’s built may continue to pay dividends, even if he moves on.
For fans, the bigger question is whether Sanders would take his sons with him to the NFL. Shedeur Sanders is projected as a top-five pick in the 2025 draft, and Shilo Sanders could be a late-round prospect.
While it’s unclear whether the Raiders are as interested in Sanders as he reportedly is in them, the possibility of Coach Prime making the leap to the NFL has already captured national attention. For now, Colorado fans can only wait and see how the situation unfolds. Will Sanders remain in Boulder to continue building his legacy with the Buffaloes, or will he take his talents to Las Vegas and the NFL?
Either way, Deion Sanders has proven that he’s more than just a coach—he’s a cultural phenomenon. Wherever he goes, success seems to follow. For now, Colorado fans will be holding their breath, hoping that Coach Prime stays a while longer.
