Deion Sanders has become a magnetic figure in college football, transforming the program’s culture and visibility.
But despite constant speculation, especially around a potential leap to the NFL to follow his son Shedeur Sanders, the Hall of Famer appears firmly committed to staying in the college ranks.
Rumors have long connected Sanders to the NFL coaching world, including a potential reunion with the Dallas Cowboys, where he once starred as a shutdown cornerback and won a Super Bowl.
The talk intensified in January after Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy was briefly on the hot seat following another early playoff exit.
When Dallas opted to promote from within-elevating offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer instead-some still wondered whether Sanders might be next in line should a future vacancy arise.
But according to former NFL scout and current analyst John Middlekauff, there’s little chance Sanders ever dons an NFL headset.
Speaking on his “3-and-Out” podcast, Middlekauff firmly shut the door on the notion.
“I would say that Deion shot that down,” Middlekauff said. “I mean, Deion had talked with Jerry Jones, who he’s known for 30 plus years. Deion says he has no desires to coach in the NFL. He does not want to do that.”
A coaching style made for college, not the pros
Sanders‘ passion for the college game is evident-not only in his approach to leadership but in how he connects with young athletes.
Middlekauff noted that Deion‘s style aligns more closely with legendary college coaches like Nick Saban or Bobby Bowden, who Sanders played for at Florida State.
“I follow Colorado on social media and stuff,” Middlekauff added. “His impact, and the stuff he likes talking about is much closer to the Sabans. He played for Bobby Bowden. I envision him being a college head coach for a long time.”
Sanders‘ influence at Colorado has gone far beyond the win-loss column. Since taking over, he’s drawn national media attention, attracted top recruits, and injected new life into a program that had largely faded from national relevance.
His emphasis on character-building, branding, and personal accountability makes him a natural fit for the college level, where guiding young men off the field is often as important as performance on it.
