Deion Sanders has built Colorado into a Big 12 contender, going 9-3 in his second season. He has coached Travis Hunter, the Heisman Trophy favorite, to a spectacular season, with the wide receiver/cornerback catching 92 passes and picking off four more on defense. And his son, Shedeur, just set the Buffaloes’ single-season passing record and is projected to be one of the top picks in next year’s NFL draft.

Hunter and Sanders’ sons Shedeur and Shilo — who started at safety for the Buffaloes the past two seasons — are probably headed to the pros, which means the coach no longer has personal ties to Colorado. The Buffs have invested in the football program since Sanders was hired in December 2022, but they don’t have the same resources as college football’s blue-blood programs. But he has recruited well recently, including signing five-star quarterback Julian Lewis, ESPN’s second-ranked recruit in the 2025 class, on Wednesday.

Could Sanders’ next step be to leave Colorado for another job — elsewhere in college football or in the NFL?

Sanders’ name has been mentioned for NFL head-coaching jobs, including the Dallas Cowboys, where he starred as a player from 1995 to 1999. Dallas is 5-7 and could part ways with Mike McCarthy at the end of the season. The New York Jets, New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears have all fired their coaches this season.

At the college level, before he was hired by Colorado, the 57-year-old Sanders interviewed at other schools, including his alma mater, Florida State, which just finished a disastrous 2-10 season. No major Power 4 openings are expected over the next month, but he could be a target if there’s a surprise.

“It’s going to be hard for Colorado to hang onto him,” a college coaching agent told ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg. “Everyone has taken notice, and rightfully so, of what he’s doing.”

We asked Rittenberg and NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler to survey college decision-makers and NFL execs to get a feel for Sanders’ future. Is what he built at Colorado sustainable, even with his two biggest stars leaving? Is there another college football job that could intrigue him? And are the rumblings about interest from NFL teams true? Here’s everything they found out:

Jump to a section:
Is there a college job that could appeal to Sanders?
Could Florida State be an option, now or later?
Do NFL teams have an interest in Sanders?
Is there a specific franchise that could entice him?
What does Shedeur’s status mean in all of this?
What’s the outlook for Colorado in 2025?

What’s the feeling about Sanders inside the Colorado program?

The Buffaloes have invested in Sanders from the start and continued to make upgrades after an extended period of being under-resourced as a program. Colorado also has embraced the unique elements he brings — cameras capturing everything around the program, celebrities on the sidelines and his own marketing obligations and ambitions. Sanders and athletic director Rick George have been aligned from the jump.

“He’s acting as if he’s back,” a Colorado source said. “I think he’s all-in. Normally, you can tell when guys are fed up and they’re trying to leave and they’re unhappy. They’re probably going to pay him a lot of money, extend his contract, keep him happy.”

Added another source: “He has a lot of leeway to go out and monetize himself off the field. You can’t watch football for 15 minutes and not see Deion.”

Sanders is in the second year of a five-year, $29.5 million contract. His deal features several bonuses he hit this fall, but he’s still a bargain compared to the top earners in the Big 12 and SEC, who make more than $9 million per year. Colorado recognizes that and probably will rework his deal, hoping to keep him for as long as he wants to coach.

Several others I spoke to in Boulder last week made a similar point about Sanders: Why would he be willing to give up so much power and control, even for a higher-profile gig? Colorado can make the College Football Playoff in the Big 12. Its recent recruiting surge, which includes Lewis, provides further confirmation he can upgrade the roster.

“All it takes is one special year to go on a run over a six-to eight-week period and you can win a national championship,” a Colorado source said. “We can be that team in the Big 12 as long as Deion’s here.”

Colorado signed its best high school recruiting class in years, headlined by Lewis and defensive end London Merritt, a top-60 prospect among a flurry of commitments late last week. The Buffaloes signed eight four-star recruits along with Lewis, a five-star. In comparison, their 2023 class included three four-star prospects and five-star offensive tackle Jordan Seaton. — Rittenberg

Is there another college job that might be appealing to Sanders?

Not one that is open. Sanders knows he can attract notable transfers and top recruits to Boulder. But Colorado hasn’t had an AP top-five finish since 1995, and would have a hard time getting through multiple SEC or Big Ten teams. Sanders enjoys being in Boulder and has set up roots, as he referenced last month with his “kickstand” comment.

“I’m happy where I am, man,” Sanders said. “I’ve got a kickstand down. You know what a kickstand is? … That means I’m resting. I’m good, I’m happy, I’m excited. I’m enthusiastic about where I am. I love it here, truly do.”

If Sanders doesn’t see a likely path to a national title at Colorado, he could seek a job in one of the sport’s two power conferences — the SEC or Big Ten. His roots in the South and Southeast make him a more natural fit in the SEC, which doesn’t project to have any openings this cycle. Whenever Arkansas comes open again, Sanders could be a strong candidate after interviewing twice with athletic director Hunter Yurachek in 2019 and impressing the school. If LSU or Florida make changes next season, Sanders certainly could be a candidate. The same goes for Auburn if it moves on from Hugh Freeze. Sanders will only target programs that allow him to be his full self, sources said, which means extra elements and people around the program that aren’t present at most places.

“There aren’t a lot of Deion Sanders growing on trees,” an industry source said. “The package of who he is, is rare. So it’s very much the place.

“You’ve got to give credit to CU and their leadership and the administration for going out and saying, ‘Let’s go all-in.'” — Rittenberg

What about Florida State, Sanders’ alma mater?

Florida State was the first FBS program to interview Sanders, in 2019, when he was coaching high school ball in the Dallas area and lacked college coaching experience. His profile for the FSU job is much stronger now, but his desire to get back might be different. One thing those close to Sanders point out is how his life before college coaching was based in the Dallas area, not in his home state of Florida. It’s why TCU, a job Sanders interviewed for after Gary Patterson’s dismissal in 2021, made a lot of sense.

Mike Norvell, who led Florida State to an ACC title and an undefeated regular season in 2023, will get another chance to get things right after a disastrous fall. He just hired Gus Malzahn, previously UCF’s head coach, as offensive coordinator and Tony White, previously at Nebraska, as defensive coordinator. The eight-year, $84 million extension Norvell signed early this year after some interest from Alabama includes a buyout equating to 85% of his remaining salary. Florida State doesn’t have the financial clout to make a move right now, even if there’s renewed interest in Sanders.

A Sanders-FSU reunion wouldn’t happen until 2026, at the earliest, and even that seems unlikely. — Rittenberg

On the NFL side, what are you hearing about the level of interest teams have in Sanders?

In what’s considered a weaker candidate pool this NFL cycle, prominent collegiate coaches could be intriguing to NFL owners and decision-makers. But the evaluators and executives I’ve checked with so far aren’t hearing Sanders’ name often in coaching circles — at least not yet.

“I could see him getting an interview or two,” an industry source said. “If you’re focused on finding a dynamic leader, he certainly provides that as a strength.”

Added an AFC executive: “Only time I’ve seen his name is on TV by Michael Irvin,” referring to Irvin’s recent comments on Fox’s “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” that Sanders would “100 percent” be interested in the Cowboys job. “I think he’s capable, but [he] would need a strong front office to support him.”

The Dallas job is not open now, and Sanders is not seen as a natural fit for the vacant spots in Chicago, New Orleans or New York. The way some see it, his style — including lengthy motivational speeches — is better suited for the college game.

“He’s a good fundraiser and college guys buy into what he sells,” an NFL personnel director said. “He’s tried to hire good coaches, but [I] have heard that he can be hard to work for. And I’m not sure the NFL guys will be in as quickly and also stay as engaged.” — Fowler

Is there another potential NFL job that could entice Sanders?

One team comes up often when asking people around the league about a potential fit: the Las Vegas Raiders.

Las Vegas doesn’t have an opening, but this is a job people are watching closely, especially how the 2-10 Raiders finish the season under first-year coach Antonio Pierce. To Pierce’s credit, his team showed resolve in last week’s loss to the Chiefs. It was positioned to win the game with a field goal before a crushing botched snap resulted in a fumble.

The belief among many in the league is that Tom Brady, now a minority owner of the Raiders, will have some level of influence over major decisions, and team owner Mark Davis will covet his knowledge and insight. If Brady is looking for a fellow GOAT, Sanders has a compelling case as the best cornerback in NFL history.

This is a franchise that has cycled through six different coaches since 2014 and needs stability. There would also be an element of excitement for a market and a franchise associated with the kind of flash Coach Prime could provide.

“If there’s one fit, it’s Vegas because of the culture there and the bright [Vegas] lights and Davis’ willingness to do something different,” an AFC executive said. “Not sure whether it would work, but it would be exciting.” — Fowler

What does Sanders’ son being a top prospect mean in all of this?

This is where the Raiders’ intrigue deepens. Shedeur Sanders could be the first quarterback taken in the 2025 draft, which, in most years, would warrant the No. 1 overall pick. The 2-10 Raiders have steep competition to be the worst team in the league. They are projected to land the No. 3 pick by ESPN’s Football Power Index, with a 15.7% chance to pick No. 1.

The looming question: Does Sanders want to coach his son at the NFL level? And what would a father-son setup even look like?

Though Sanders might be able to compartmentalize coaching his son and an entire team of grown millionaires, college is closer to pee-wee football than the NFL.

“I hope for Shedeur that doesn’t happen and he has to be his own man in his own career,” an AFC executive said.

Sanders has said would will shepherd his son’s draft process to ensure Shedeur ends up in a healthy environment. The New York Giants (2-10), Cleveland Browns (3-8), New York Jets (3-9) and Tennessee Titans (3-9) are among the other quarterback-needy teams likely to draft in the top 10.

One thing that seems highly unlikely: the concept of Sanders going to Dallas as part of a package deal to send Shedeur to the Cowboys. Dak Prescott has an $89.9 million cap hit in 2025 that is virtually untradable. The Cowboys could theoretically stash Shedeur for two years behind Prescott, but what could go wrong there? They’re trending toward a first-round selection outside of the top 10, and they need to allocate that pick for bigger needs.

Sanders’ name will be linked to Dallas until the Cowboys solidify their coaching position for 2025. McCarthy’s five-year contract, signed before the 2020 season, is set to expire after the season. While I won’t totally take an extension off the table — team owner Jerry Jones has publicly acknowledged the possibility on a local radio appearance — the expectation leaguewide is McCarthy won’t be retained. — Fowler

If Sanders returns to Colorado, what is the outlook for the Buffaloes in 2025 and beyond?

In going from 4-8 to 9-3, Sanders led a team that developed at the line of scrimmage and in other areas, including a massive jump on defense. Coordinator Robert Livingston, a longtime Cincinnati Bengals assistant, took over a unit that ranked 114th in the nation in yards per play allowed (6.3) and 127th in passing yards allowed per game (276.9), and engineered significant improvement with the pass rush and other areas. Colorado improved to 33rd in yards per play allowed (5.1) and 45th in passing yards allowed per game (204.7).

“They’re much improved on defense. The NFL coordinator is perfect for them,” said a coach who faced Colorado earlier this season. “They’re hitting some fits, they’re playing fast, and they’ve got some coverage guys that can be an issue.”

Colorado’s offense experienced less dramatic shifts and remained centered on the passing game. The Buffs ranked last nationally in rushing offense (70.4 yards per game), just as they were in 2023. The offensive line has done a better job of protecting Sanders, as sacks are down from 4.7 per game in 2023 to 3.3. Colorado prioritized its offensive line in the transfer portal after last season and will need further upgrades to succeed without Shedeur Sanders behind center.

It will be tough for the Buffaloes to replace their stars. There’s an acknowledgment around the Big 12 that they have both the best overall player in Hunter and the best quarterback in Shedeur.

“You take those two off the team, it’s a whole different team, as we’ll find out next year,” a Big 12 coach said.

Another coach who faced the Buffs noted that their receiver depth has gone beyond Hunter. LaJohntay Wester and Will Sheppard have combined for 117 receptions and 1,497 yards with 16 touchdowns, and Jimmy Horn Jr. has added 33 receptions and 434 receiving yards. The problem: All three are seniors. Colorado has been strong at receiver in each of Sanders’ seasons, and it will bring back promising players Drelon Miller and Omarion Miller, who had 145 receiving yards in an Oct. 12 loss to Kansas State before sustaining a season-ending leg injury.

Colorado must continue to upgrade its lines of scrimmage, which were both better this season. Defensive line transfers like BJ Green II (Arizona State) and Samuel Okunlola (Pitt) drew praise from opposing coaches. — Rittenberg