Deion Sanders leaving Jackson State for Colorado job
It's Prime Time in the Rocky Mountains.
Colorado announced the hiring of Deion Sanders as its new head coach on Saturday night.
"There were a number of highly qualified and impressive candidates interested in becoming the next head football coach at Colorado, but none of them had the pedigree, the knowledge, and the ability to connect with student-athletes like Deion Sanders," athletic director Rick George said in a statement.
"Not only will Coach Prime energize our fanbase, I'm confident that he will lead our program back to national prominence while leading a team of high quality and high character."
It's a major coup for the Pac-12 program, nabbing the former NFL star after he led FCS team Jackson State to a perfect 12-0 record capped by a SWAC title game triumph on Saturday. Sanders posted an impressive 27-5 record with a perfect 17-0 mark in conference play through three seasons with the Tigers.
Sanders certainly has his work cut out for him in Boulder, as Colorado was arguably the worst Power 5 team in the country this campaign. The Buffaloes fired head coach Karl Dorrell midseason before finishing the schedule a dismal 1-11 while being outscored 534-185.
One area where the 55-year-old should immediately help is the transfer portal - he's expected to immediately attract some of his best players from Jackson State to join him, including former top recruit Travis Hunter, who shocked the college football world by committing to Sanders at Jackson State over several FBS powerhouse programs.
Sanders' son, Shedeur, could also make the move if he opts to stay in school over testing the NFL draft. The star quarterback is a nominee for the 2022 Walter Payton Award, given to the best offensive player at the FCS level.
The Pro Football and College Football Hall of Famer has recommended to Jackson State administrators that receivers coach T.C. Taylor become the team's next head coach, Brandon Marcello of 247Sports reports. Taylor set records as a wideout during his time playing for the Tigers.