Deion Sanders, head coach of the University of Colorado football team, is reportedly interested in the Las Vegas Raiders’ head coaching position. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal (LVRJ), Sanders’ representatives have reached out to the Raiders, expressing his strong desire for the role following the team’s decision to part ways with head coach Antonio Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco after a disappointing 4-13 season.
“He has a very strong interest in the job,” an unnamed source told the LVRJ.
Despite the Hall of Fame cornerback’s interest, reports indicate that the Raiders have no intention of hiring Sanders. Per The Athletic, a league source confirmed the franchise has “zero interest” in bringing Sanders on board, suggesting his name may have surfaced more as a leverage tactic by agents.
Sanders recently wrapped up his second season as Colorado’s head coach, where he led the Buffaloes to the Alamo Bowl and a first-place tie in the Big 12. Under his leadership, Colorado rebounded from a 4-8 record in his first year to a strong 2024 campaign. Star player Travis Hunter, a wide receiver/cornerback, secured the prestigious Heisman Trophy, further bolstering Sanders’ reputation as a skilled recruiter and motivator.
The Buffaloes’ roster has seen significant upgrades under Sanders, particularly at the quarterback position. With his son, Shedeur Sanders, projected as a top-five pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and new additions like transfer quarterback Kaidon Salter and five-star recruit JuJu Lewis, the program’s future appears bright.
On Good Morning America, Sanders expressed an openness to coaching in the NFL, particularly if it allowed him to continue coaching his sons. The Raiders, holding the No. 6 pick in the upcoming draft, might need to trade up to secure Shedeur, a move some mock drafts, including one from Yahoo Sports, have suggested. However, such a scenario remains speculative, especially with reports of Cleveland Browns potentially targeting Shedeur after Deshaun Watson’s Achilles injury.
Adding to the intrigue, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick have also been linked to the Raiders’ coaching vacancy. Brady, reportedly in contact with the franchise, remains a longshot candidate, while Belichick, now head coach at North Carolina, dismissed the notion of leaving his new role.
For now, it appears likely that both Sanders and Belichick will remain in college football for the foreseeable future, despite the buzz surrounding NFL coaching opportunities.