As the movement to shift the power dynamics of collegiate sports continues, NFL hall of fame defensive back, Deion Sanders, announced on his podcast that he will be the next head coach of Jackson State University.
While collegiate athletes have led the way in this movement, Sanders’ decision to coach at a historically black college and university (HBCU) may create a huge shift in exposure and enrollment into HBCUs.
Sanders’ aspirations to become a head coach, for a college football team, dates back to, January, when he vowed that he would be a head coach for a college football team sooner rather than later during his appearance on “The Dan Patrick Show”.
"I'm going to be a head coach in college football…next year." – Deion Sanders. @dpshow
— Paul Pabst (@PaulPabst) January 28, 2020
His journey started in late August when he received his bachelor’s degree from Talladega College. Then, JSU fired their head coach, John Hendrick.
Rumors circulated that Sanders would be the head coach, but the university denied it. Eventually, Sanders’ goal was finally accomplished when JSU made the official announcement on Sept. 21. Sanders explained his decision to coach at JSU in a statement released by the school.
“It’s my desire to continue this storied tradition and history of JSU and prayerfully bring more national recognition to the athletes, the university, the Sonic Boom of the South, and HBCUs in general,” he said.
Since being announced as head coach, Sanders has focused on building with the all-star coaching staff that he has established.
“That staff…has 84 years combined of NFL coaching and playing experience,” Sanders said during his opening press conference.
Although Sanders claims that he will have a great coaching staff, this is his first time coaching on the collegiate level. However, he does have tons of experience as a player.
Deion Sanders played 14 years in the NFL as a member of the Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers,Baltimore Ravens and Washington Football team.
In those 14 years, he was an eight-time Pro Bowler, 1994 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and a two-time Super Bowl Champion.
In addition to his NFL career, Sanders has spent most of his post-playing career as an NFL television analyst for CBS Sports and NFL network.
He also has experience in coaching high school football. Sanders is the offensive coordinator at Trinity Christian High School in Texas where his son, Shadeur Sanders, is the quarterback. Sanders will be coaching his son through his senior year until he becomes a coach, full-time.
Even with his lack of coaching experience, this would be a tall task for Sanders because JSU’s program hasn’t had a winning record since 2013.
Sanders’ winning and exposure will not only help JSU, but all HBCUs. Sanders will bring tons of exposure for everyone associated with him.
Plus, he has already pulled in a former Power Five player to transfer to JSU, and he has an experienced coaching staff.
Additionally, Jackson city councilman De’Keither Stamps is trying to build a bigger and better stadium because they expect a huge fan base, according to Patrice Clark from WLBT news.
HBCU athletics will continue to grow as more big names join the HBCU family. As the Coach Prime era begins, the HBCU movement will continue to grow. HBCU athletics is ready to go to the next level.
