Deion Sanders expresses interest in Raiders’ coaching job
Colorado football coach Deion Sanders has his eyes on the Raiders’ coaching job, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.
“He has a very strong interest in the job,” the person said.
The person indicated that NFL-connected associates of Sanders reached out to the Raiders to express Sanders’ interest in the opening.
The Raiders have begun to interview candidates to replace Antonio Pierce, who was fired Tuesday after the team finished 4-13 in his first full season as coach. On Friday, they interviewed Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
The club is scheduled to interview former Seahawks coach Pete Carroll and former Jets coach Robert Saleh next week.
It’s unclear whether the Raiders are as interested in Sanders as he is in them. Tom Brady, who recently joined the franchise as a minority owner, is spearheading the search for a coach and general manager after the dismissal of Tom Telesco on Thursday. Raiders owner Mark Davis has said he wants Brady to have a “huge voice” in football matters.
The Brady factor
Brady’s influence already has been felt by Johnson’s agreement to interview with the club. Initially, the Raiders’ uncertain quarterback situation was viewed as an impediment for Johnson, who also has drawn interest from the Bears, Patriots and Jaguars, who all have young quarterbacks.
But Brady’s influence appears to have changed the dynamics, as evidenced by the 38-year-old Johnson accepting the club’s invitation to discuss the job.
The Raiders’ sales pitch to him, according to people with knowledge of their thinking, is the leadership of Brady, the opportunity to have input on the next general manager and a significant financial commitment that includes the runway to cover the rebuild they face, especially at quarterback.
Carroll, 73, also intrigues the Raiders, sources confirmed. If Johnson decides there is a more attractive opportunity, the Raiders could turn to the former Seahawks’ coach, whose success at building programs at USC and in Seattle are pluses for a franchise that needs a solid foundation. Carroll also could pitch a succession plan that includes a handpicked replacement when he retires.
Could Sanders help solve QB issue?
Sanders’ son, Shedeur Sanders, played for his father at Colorado and is regarded as the top quarterback prospect in the NFL draft, and the Sanders and Brady have a long relationship. Another son, Shilo, was a safety for Colorado the past two years.
Brady has worked with and mentored Shedeur Sanders over the years, and Brady’s clothing brand, TB12, signed the young quarterback to a name, image and likeness deal in 2022.
Deion Sanders was asked last week on “Good Morning America” if he has an interest in coaching in the NFL.
“The only way I would consider (it) is to coach my sons.” said Sanders, Colorado’s coach the past two seasons.
The Raiders have the No. 6 pick in the draft and most likely are out of position to select Shedeur Sanders, regarded as a top-three pick. But the presence of his father in Las Vegas could change the dynamics. The Raiders could be more compelled to trade up with Sanders as their coach.
Shedeur Sanders threw for 4,134 yards with 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions and had a 168.2 passer rating this season.
Deion Sanders’ resume
Sanders, 57, has no NFL coaching experience, but his work at Colorado, which had one winning record in the 17 seasons before he was hired, is admirable. The Buffaloes went 9-4 this season, had one of the top two quarterbacks in the country and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter.
Sanders also coached three seasons at Jackson State, where his teams were 27-6 — including a 12-0 record in 2022 — and won back-to-back Southwestern Athletic Conference championships.
Sanders played in the NFL for 14 seasons and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.
Contact Vincent Bonsignore at vbonsignore@reviewjournal.com . Follow @VinnyBonsignore on X.