Deion Sanders-to-Florida State Scenario Took a Major Turn on Saturday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Licata | Last updated Nov 30, 2024 6:45 PM ET

Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes wrapped up a successful regular season on Friday with a 52-0 blowout win over Oklahoma State. Sitting at 9-3, the Buffs spent Saturday awaiting a potential spot in the Big 12 title game.

Amid some chaotic finishes on Saturday, a notable coaching shakeup in the state of Florida has some wondering whether it could impact Sanders' coaching future in college football.

ESPN's Pete Thamel first reported that UCF head coach Gus Malzahn has resigned from his position to join Florida State's coaching staff heading into 2025. According to Thamel, Malzahn will now serve as FSU's offensive coordinator and primary play caller. That duty was previously held by current Florida State head coach Mike Norvell.

Norvell fired both his offensive and defensive coordinators on Nov. 10 after a 52-3 blowout loss to Notre Dame.

Sanders, who played for FSU from 1985-88 before going on to have a Hall of Fame NFL career, has long been connected by fans and media to the Florida State job since his time leading Jackson State.

The 57-year-old has repeatedly stated that he's content at Colorado, and as recently as November following speculation connecting him to one of his former teams, the Dallas Cowboys. Much could still change as the 2024 season wraps up, but Malzahn's move makes it even more unlikely Sanders will be patrolling the FSU sidelines anytime soon.

"I'm happy where I am, man," told reporters on Nov. 19. "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."

“I got a kickstand down…I’m happy, I’m excited, I’m enthusiastic about where I am. I love it here." - Deion Sanders when asked about his name being brought up in conversations about other jobs pic.twitter.com/mHKYK9N5wN
— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) November 19, 2024

Plus, Colorado recently landed five-star quarterback recruit Julian "JuJu" Lewis to replace Deion's son Shedeur Sanders, who will enter the 2025 NFL draft as a likely first-round pick.

Florida State proved to be one of the best teams in college football a year ago with a 13-1 record after a loss in the Orange Bowl. Still, Norvell, currently in his fifth season at the helm, has been under fire all season long.

The 2-9 Seminoles have played to their worst record since 1974 when the school went 1-10 under then-head coach Darrell Mudra. Muddying the waters, though, is Norvell's bloated contract. The 43-year-old signed an eight-year, $80 million extension in the offseason, making him the sixth-highest paid coach in the sport.

As of Nov. 15, his buyout — if FSU wanted to move on in order to make a new hire — would be $61.4 million, according to USA Today.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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