Deion Sanders Dismisses NFL Talk: ‘I Couldn’t Coach Pro Ball’

Despite constant speculation linking Deion Sanders to an eventual move to the NFL , the Colorado head coach has made it clear—he’s not interested.

Over the years, rumors have frequently suggested that Coach Prime could be lured to the professional ranks, but his recent comments reinforce his belief that the NFL isn’t for him. In fact, Sanders says he couldn’t handle the way professional teams practice.

Speaking on his TV show, We Got Time Today, with former Cowboys quarterback and ESPN analyst Troy Aikman , Sanders explained why he doesn’t see himself ever coaching in the league.

“I couldn’t coach pro ball,” Sanders said. “That’s why I say, I couldn’t coach—I know it was cute—but I couldn’t coach pro ball, because the way they practice, the way they go about it, I couldn’t take it.”

He continued, emphasizing his love for the game and his frustration with the way professional football is handled.

“As a man, and as a football enthusiast, and I care about the game. The game is still providing for Troy and I, so there is no way I could allow that to happen on my watch. That would be tough.”

No NFL Aspirations for Coach Prime

Sanders’ stance on coaching in the NFL has been consistent. In an interview with 60 Minutes back in 2022 , he expressed no desire to coach at the professional level. However, during a conversation on Good Morning America earlier this year, he did admit there was one exception—if he could coach both of his sons.

“The only way I would consider is to coach my sons,” he said. “Not son. Sons.”

Despite the buzz around Sanders and the Dallas Cowboys , which was fueled by an offseason phone call between him and team owner Jerry Jones , Dallas ultimately went in a different direction, hiring offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer as its next head coach.

Colorado Thrives Under Sanders

While the NFL rumors swirl, Colorado is enjoying a resurgence under Sanders’ leadership. After a 4-win season in his first year, the Buffaloes improved to 9-4 in 2024, with two-way sensation Travis Hunter winning the Heisman Trophy . That’s a major leap from the team’s one-win season the year before Sanders took over.

Sanders’ overall coaching record now stands at 40-18 , including his successful tenure at Jackson State , where he led the Tigers for three seasons.

Looking ahead, Colorado will have to navigate a significant roster transition in 2025 . Not only is Hunter leaving for the NFL , but Sanders' two sons , quarterback Shedeur Sanders and defensive back Shilo Sanders , are also heading to the pros.

For now, though, Coach Prime is staying put in Boulder, focusing on his college football legacy rather than an NFL future.