Photo courtesy of JSU Athletics
‘Prime Time’ is coming to Jackson State as reports indicate that NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders is set to become the new head coach of the Tigers.
First reported by HBCUsports.com‘s Kendrick Marshall, the all-time great defensive back will replace John Hendrick after he was abruptly let go in late August. According to SI’s Ross Dellinger, the deal is close to being done with the exception of one slight hang-up.
NEWS: Multiple Jackson State sources tell @SINow the school is finalizing a deal with Deion Sanders to make him their next head coach, despite the university refuting @KennRashad‘s report.
A hangup getting smoothed out: Sanders is under contract with Under Armour. JSU is Nike.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) September 17, 2020
This would be Sanders’ first college coaching job, although he is not a complete stranger to the sideline or to Mississippi. In addition to his extensive media presence, Sanders currently serves as the offensive coordinator for his son’s high school team, Trinity Christian (TX), which recently dropped its season opener to Madison-Ridgeland Academy located in the Jackson metro area.
The two-sport legend has been vocal about his desire to become a head coach dating back to an appearance on the Dan Patrick Show ahead of this year’s Super Bowl when he stated “I’m going to be a head coach in college football next year.”
HBCUsports.com is reporting that an introductory press conference is set for 10 a.m. Monday.
Sanders joins one of the most interesting landscapes in college football with Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss and Mike Leach at Mississippi State.
Unfortunately, fans will have to wait until the spring to see Deion Sanders’ Tigers in action after the SWAC voted to postpone fall sports due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
