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 teach within the NFL,” Sanders stated in June 2023. (h/t Sports Illustrated)
“I’ve an issue with males getting their checks and never doing their jobs,” he added. “I might 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, shifting to the professionals would additionally erase one in every of his greatest strengths as a head coach.
Sanders has confirmed to be one in every 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 high 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 advised SI that he’s an enormous fan of proprietor Jerry Jones (“I like Jerry Jones. I tremendously love that entire household,” he stated), the 2 huge egos’ skill 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 essentially the most blame?
Historical past can also be working towards Sanders. In any case, 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 isn’t 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.
