Deion Sanders has been heavily linked to the NFL in the last two weeks, cataylzed by his success as the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes. The latest question that’s being debated because of these rumors is whether Coach Prime belongs in college football or the NFL.
Speculation surrounding Sanders’ coaching future continues to dominate football conversations. The charismatic Colorado head coach insists he’s staying put in Boulder. ESPN analyst and former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark agrees with him, believing that the college football landscape serves him well.
Ryan Clark Backs Deion Sanders for College Football Success
Clark expressed that Sanders doesn’t need the NFL to prove his worth as a coach. “All the people that go to Boulder, Colorado, go…because of Deion Sanders. Period. He doesn’t need a different stage,” Clark declared.
.@Realrclark25 says Deion Sanders should stay in Colorado if he doesn’t go to the NFL.
“All the people that go to Boulder, Colorado, go to Boulder, Colorado because of Deion Sanders. Period. He doesn’t need a different stage.” pic.twitter.com/cPS0hhBq1s
— First Take (@FirstTake) November 22, 2024
One cannot deny the impact that the 57-year-old Pro Football Hall of Famer has had on the Buffaloes in his two years in charge. The Buffs currently sit on an 8-2 record after a dismal 1-11 campaign in 2022. Sanders’ leadership has reinvigorated a once-dormant program on and off the field.
However, Clark had a contrasting opinion on Sanders’ ideal coaching destination on another ESPN show (Get Up) earlier in the day, where the former Steelers safety made a case for Coach Prime leading America’s Team.
Clark’s best argument to support his take was Sanders’ ability to handle Jerry Jones’ larger-than-life presence. He stated, “If you’re the Dallas Cowboys, right — and you know how the Dallas Cowboys operate. It was always another step to go beyond the coach. What better person to have the conversation of, ‘Hey, coach, Jerry’s doing this. What’s happening around the building is bothering me this way.'”
“What better person to be able to say, ‘I can talk to Jerry Jones. I know what it’s like with that star on your helmet. Let’s go figure this out so we can go make plays,’” Clark continued.
The Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rule have changed the college football landscape in the past couple of years. Combining that with Sanders’ personality, the University of Colorado has seen an uptick in its national profile.
Enrollment has surged, ticket prices have skyrocketed, and the campus buzz is unlike anything Boulder has seen recently. According to Joe Pompliano, applications to the university have increased by 20% since Sanders’ arrival.
Deion Sanders is the most underpaid coach in college football — but it's not for the reason you might think.
Colorado's football success has already led to a 20% jump in applications at the school, and they will now focus on admitting more out-of-state students than in-state… pic.twitter.com/3hHMsPpGSY
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) November 14, 2024
As the debate rages on, one fact is undisputed: Coach Prime’s ability to inspire is unmatched. Whether Sanders remains in college football or eventually takes his coaching talent to the NFL, his presence will always be felt.