Deion Sanders is rumored to be a potential candidate for an ACC program, which would be a significant move for a team looking to reignite its success, especially if it’s one that experienced an undefeated regular season but was controversially left out of the College Football Playoff.
Currently, Sanders is coaching the Colorado Buffaloes, aiming to turn the team around after a 4-8 season in 2023, which was a marked improvement from their 1-11 record the year before he took over.
Deion Sanders’ early success with the Colorado Buffaloes, starting 2-1 in his second season, continues to draw attention. Despite a 4-8 finish in his first year, it was a major improvement from the previous 1-11 season. Rumors suggest Sanders could be a potential candidate for the Florida State Seminoles, a program in the ACC. The Seminoles went undefeated in the regular season and won the ACC Championship, but were controversially left out of the College Football Playoff, ending the year with a loss to Georgia in the Orange Bowl.
The Florida State Seminoles, who had high hopes of proving they deserved a College Football Playoff spot after their undefeated regular season and ACC Championship last year, are off to a rough 0-3 start. They have suffered losses to Georgia Tech, Boston College, and Memphis, severely damaging their chances of being a contender this season. The disappointing start has raised concerns, especially given their previous momentum heading into the current year.
Speculation about Deion Sanders replacing Florida State head coach Mike Norvell has intensified after the Seminoles’ 0-3 start. According to BetOnline Sportsbook, Sanders is the current betting favorite at +300 to take over the program. Sanders’ appeal comes from both his charisma and his deep connection to FSU, where he played from 1985 to 1988 and had his No. 2 jersey honored. Despite Colorado’s struggles, Sanders’ potential return to his alma mater could spark a fresh start for the Seminoles.
In 2021 and 2022, Colorado’s football recruiting classes were ranked 65th and 58th, respectively, by 247Sports. However, when Deion Sanders took over as head coach in 2023, the program saw a dramatic improvement, with its recruiting class jumping to 21st overall. This included being ranked No. 1 in transfer acquisitions, a rare achievement for a program of Colorado’s stature. Sanders’ ability to attract top talent has been a major factor in turning around the team’s recruiting fortunes.
If Deion Sanders were to take over at Florida State, he would have access to significantly greater resources. In 2023, Colorado’s athletic department operated on a budget of $134 million, whereas Florida State’s budget in 2022 was $172 million. Additionally, FSU reportedly allocated around $12 million to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, providing Sanders with more financial tools to attract top recruits. These resources could help Sanders achieve greater success at FSU, a program with deeper pockets and higher expectations than Colorado.
Florida State has heavily invested in its defensive line this year, with nearly $2 million allocated to the starting front, part of a broader NIL budget of around $12 million. Despite these investments, the team has struggled. As for Deion Sanders’ future, it remains uncertain after his sons, Shedeur and Shilo Sanders, conclude their college careers. Shedeur is projected to be a potential Day 1 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, while Shilo could be a Day 2 or early Day 3 pick.
Seminoles fans may find the idea of Deion Sanders as their next head coach appealing, but for now, the focus is on Florida State’s next matchup against the California Golden Bears on Sept. 21. Later in the season, the Seminoles will aim for ranked victories against No. 21 Clemson, No. 8 Miami, and No. 17 Notre Dame, which could reignite hopes for College Football Playoff consideration if they perform well in those key games.
