The Colorado Buffaloes coaching stint by Prime is a marriage that most believe will be short-lived. But Deion Sanders to FSU is gaining some traction. Even after their upset win against TCU in his first year in Boulder, most saw this as something of a stepping stone job. It’s hard to see it otherwise. At Jackson State, he made it clear his love for the program and belief in elevating the Southwestern Athletic Conference; only two leave for what many viewed as a secondary or even lowered position in the FBS landscape.
Now his alma mater is 0-2 on the year, and Mike Norvell appears to be on the hottest of seats in college football. Naturally, rumors and buzz are circulating that Coach Prime could be returning to Tallahassee. One aspect is certain. With another embarrassing loss or even too many close losses, the Seminoles will have little choice but to fire their current coach. FSU came into the season with expectations.
One season removed from being undefeated and entering this year being ranked in the Top 10, they are now a laughing stock among fans. And because of how the team lost to some, this opens the door for a ‘Prime Time’ reunion. However, that would be more complicated than what things initially appear as. To a degree, there are skeptics who question the relationship between the former player and the university.
This is an ego-driven sport and industry. So the fact that coach Sanders may not have received his respect due to the latest vacancy may muddy and hamper the relationship. Time heals most wounds, however, and it’s reasonable that if a sizeable offer came and there was enough sweet talk, then he would be likely to accept the position. As alluded to, coaching is typically seen as a ladder.
From the colleges’ perspective, whoever is at the reins now could just as easily be the fall guy to bring in someone else. The adage that coaches are hired to get fired is true throughout the world of sports. Conversely, it’s a given that anyone will say that their focus is with the current team, but everyone knows otherwise. In the rare cases of a Nick Saban, the current job is used to obtain a more lucrative or higher-status job.
This reality makes it tough to be able to predict what will happen. This is mainly because any words that come from any party involved are typically false reflections of the actual internal dialogue that is taking place. But sticking with what is known, it’s not hard to paint a picture that ultimately sees coach Sanders calling Doak Campbell Stadium home. But for that to happen, some things will need to continue to fall into place.
What could prevent Deion Sanders to FSU
Firstly, it goes without saying that FSU would need to avoid a miraculous turnaround of a season. Moreover, losing a couple more games either by large margins or losing two opponents that they should be able to beat would all but ensure the firing of Norvell. Also, Colorado cannot go on a large run that would see them threatening the Big 12 title or making the playoffs.
At this point, that looks unlikely. But if this were to happen, then pulling away from Colorado maybe a little tougher. Yet, it’s worth noting that anyone who he does recruit would still have the flexibility to come with him to FSU, not unlike the flip of Travis Hunter in the first place. Secondly, he does not focus on in-state recruiting or recruiting in any form anyway. Therefore, since he’s dealing with a blank canvas more often than not returning to Florida, it may not involve as many ‘Deion Sanders to FSU’ signs on College GameDay as some would anticipate.