All through his faculty teaching profession, which started at Jackson State, Sanders has repeatedly expressed no real interest in teaching professionally.
“I haven’t got any want or ambition to teach within the NFL,” Sanders mentioned in June 2023. (h/t Sports Illustrated)
“I’ve an issue with males getting their checks and never doing their jobs,” he added. “I’d be too powerful as a coach within the NFL as a result of I nonetheless have these old-school attributes.”
Not solely would Sanders probably conflict with NFL gamers, transferring to the professionals would additionally erase considered one of his greatest strengths as a head coach.
Sanders has confirmed to be considered one of faculty soccer’s greatest recruiters, getting 2024 Heisman winner Travis Hunter, the No. 1 general recruit of the 2022 class, to decide to Jackson State, turning into the primary prime high-school recruit to hitch a traditionally Black faculty and college (HBCU).
He would not have that very same edge within the professionals.
And whereas Sanders advised SI that he’s an enormous fan of proprietor Jerry Jones (“I like Jerry Jones. I tremendously love that complete household,” he mentioned), the 2 large egos’ means to coexist could be fascinating.
Would Sanders, who performed for the Cowboys from 1995-99, be okay with Jones sitting out free company like he did final offseason? If the group struggles, who will get probably the most blame?
Historical past can be working in opposition to Sanders. In spite of everything, faculty coaches have a spotty observe document when teaching within the NFL.
Nick Saban, City Mayer and Matt Rhule are among the many profitable faculty coaches who’ve tried (and failed) to seize the identical magic within the professionals.
There is no such thing as a assure hiring Sanders would work, however it could undoubtedly produce headlines. If he will get the job, we’ll know what’s most vital to Jones.