All through his faculty teaching profession, which started at Jackson State, Sanders has repeatedly expressed little interest in teaching professionally.
“I haven’t got any want or ambition to educate within the NFL,” Sanders mentioned in June 2023. (h/t Sports activities Illustrated)
“I’ve an issue with males getting their checks and never doing their jobs,” he added. “I’d be too robust as a coach within the NFL as a result of I nonetheless have these old-school attributes.”
Not solely would Sanders doubtlessly conflict with NFL gamers, shifting to the professionals would additionally erase certainly one of his greatest strengths as a head coach.
Sanders has confirmed to be certainly 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, changing into the primary prime high-school recruit to affix a traditionally Black faculty and college (HBCU).
He would not have that very same edge within the professionals.
And whereas Sanders informed SI that he’s an enormous fan of proprietor Jerry Jones (“I really like Jerry Jones. I tremendously love that complete household,” he mentioned), the 2 large egos’ potential to coexist can 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 workforce 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 monitor report 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.
