After the departure of Mike McCarthy from the head coach position of the Dallas Cowboys, speculation swirled around potential candidates to fill the role. Among those discussed was none other than Deion Sanders, the charismatic head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes. However, after several discussions, it became clear that Coach Prime would not be making the leap to the NFL, and he will continue his journey in the NCAAF.
Sanders recently shared his insights on the conversations he had with Cowboys owner and GM Jerry Jones. During an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show, he expressed the depth of thought that went into these discussions. “I had a lot of praying to do,” Sanders revealed. “Praying and weighing. And I’m always led directly and correctly.” His words reflect the weight of such a decision, especially considering the stature of the Cowboys franchise.
Reflecting on his conversations with Jones, Sanders noted, “It was great. It made me think. First of all, Jerry’s one of those types of guys – he’s like myself – that you’ve got to have an opinion. You’ve got to make a statement, you’ve got to respond because he provokes so much thought.” This mutual respect between the two figures is evident, as both are known for their strong personalities and leadership styles.
The former NFL star went on to describe the impact of their discussions. “So when he calls and we had our little discussion and our conversation, you hang up and you start thinking, ‘Wow, that’s something.’ You just weigh everything.” Sanders even humorously envisioned the perks of coaching in the NFL, saying, “Let me see, now if I did this, I would probably get a helicopter to fly into work every day. … I could stay in my own home and get a helicopter to fly in every day. Land right there on the field, right beside to Jerry. This could work.”
Ultimately, the Cowboys decided to go in a different direction, naming Brian Schottenheimer as their new head coach. While the opportunity to coach the Cowboys didn’t materialize for Sanders, he remains excited about his current position. The Buffaloes are gearing up for the upcoming college football season, and the team is eager to build on their recent successes.
Sanders expresses his love for Colorado
Despite the allure of the NFL, Sanders made it clear that his heart lies with the Buffaloes. “I don’t think they took a chance, because there’s a difference between a chance and opportunity. I’m an opportunity, I’m not a chance. Let’s get that straight,” he stated emphatically during an interview on ESPN’s First Take. His commitment to Colorado is unwavering, and he emphasized, “I love Colorado. I’m not using them as a stepping-stone to land anywhere else.”
The passion he has for the program is palpable. “I love (Colorado Athletic Director) Rick George. I love everything about the city, the town, the school, the campus. I love everything about the community.” It’s clear that Sanders has forged a deep connection with the university and its supporters, which bodes well for the future of the Buffaloes.
He also highlighted the strength of his coaching staff, saying, “Our coaching staff is impeccable, laced with a plethora of people that have matriculated from the NFL. I love that environment. So, I love the college game. I really do.” This enthusiasm for college football is infectious, and it’s evident that Sanders is dedicated to elevating the program to new heights.
In a light-hearted moment, Sanders recalled a conversation he had with legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick. “It was funny that Coach [Bill] Belichick and I gave out the Coach of the Year last year. We just talked about recruiting. I said, ‘Coach, I heard you get in folks living rooms.’ Isn’t that crazy to think about? Belichick in someone’s living room. That’s crazy. But I’m happy. He’s elevating college football,” Sanders concluded with a chuckle.
As the new college football season approaches, the Buffaloes are poised to make a significant impact. With Sanders at the helm, fans are optimistic about the team’s potential to achieve greatness. His ability to inspire and lead is already evident, and the energy surrounding the program is palpable.
In summary, while the Dallas Cowboys may have missed out on the opportunity to bring Deion Sanders into the NFL fold, the Colorado Buffaloes are incredibly fortunate to have him. His unwavering commitment to the program and his passion for college football promise an exciting season ahead. With a strong coaching staff and a dedicated fan base, the Buffaloes are ready to take on the challenges of the upcoming season and strive for success on the field. The journey is just beginning, and with Coach Prime leading the way, anything is possible.
