NFL executive reveals one key reason teams may not hire Deion Sanders

Some have floated Deion Sanders as a potential NFL head-coaching candidate, but perhaps the Colorado Buffaloes coach should stay in school. 

In a piece published Thursday, an NFL personnel director told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler they're concerned about his ability to connect with his staff and players.

"He's a good fundraiser and college guys buy into what he sells," the 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 engaged." 

Teams may not feel Sanders' coaching résumé is stellar. The Pro Football Hall of Famer has a 13-11 record in two seasons with the Buffaloes. To his credit, he helped turn around a program that went 1-11 in 2022. Still, far more successful college coaches flopped in the NFL. 

Nick Saban — a six-time national champion in 17 seasons at Alabama —  posted a 15-17 record in two seasons as Miami Dolphins head coach from 2005-06. 

And who could forget Urban Meyer — who captured titles at Florida and Ohio State — going 2-11 before the Jacksonville Jaguars fired him in 2021? 

Sanders has indicated he's not interested in coaching in the NFL. During a recent interview with FS1's "Speak," he said, "I'm happy where I am." 

On Wednesday, the Buffaloes signed five-star QB Julian Lewis to replace Sanders' son, Shedeur. The Colorado QB ranks second in the FBS in TD passes (35 in 12 games) and is one of the top prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Lewis could entice other talented prospects to join the program, which could help Sanders continue to build a potential contender. If the coach left for the NFL, he would squash the program's momentum. 

Sanders coaching at the NFL level is intriguing but unrealistic. Neither he nor the league seems interested in one another.