When it comes to college football, the coach who shines the brightest is Deion Sanders. He finished with a 27-6 record in his four seasons at Jackson State, attracting talent never before seen at the FCS level. Then, he orchestrated a two-year turnaround at the University of Colorado. Who would say no to ‘Coach Prime‘, who holds a 40-18 record over more than five seasons as a college head coach? But there’s a twist.

We may never witness Deion Sanders coaching in the NFL. All that buzz and excitement surrounding him joining the NFL might remain a dream for fans, especially after his failed move to the Dallas Cowboys, where he looked more than an ideal choice. There’s another former Cowboys coach who feels Sanders just doesn’t suit the model of the NFL. His talents are more suited to college football ranks.

Jimmy Johnson, under whom Deion Sanders used to play in Dallas, identified the issue his former student could face in the NFL. Ahead of the Super Bowl LIX, Johnson predicted, “One thing he’s got an edge a lot of college coaches didn’t have is his ability to acquire talent. A lot of people would like to play for Deion. It’s gonna be a little bit different in the NFL. But Deion did a great job for the Colorado football team and completely turned it around.” See, there’s no doubt that Sanders has seemingly changed the fortunes of the Buffaloes.

They are just coming off a 9-4 season with an appearance at the Alamo Bowl. And away from the gridiron, he is all but set to lose two of his most prized assets to the NFL. Reigning Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter might join the Giants next season. Also, Sanders’s son Shedeur Sanders could likely become the franchise signal-caller for either the Titans or the Browns. But the one thing that sets him apart is his ability to develop talent.

After being named the Buffaloes’ head coach, Sanders almost changed the entire roster in Colorado. 46 players were projected to leave the program, and 50 were taken in, including his sons, Shedeur, Shilo, and, of course, dual-threat recruit Travis Hunter. But all those things would probably not be possible in the NFL. Here, things happen a bit differently from drafting players, thinking about cap space, and listening to other voices. Like you know whom we are talking about: Jerry Jones. His presence in the Cowboys’ hierarchy may not have ever allowed Sanders to work his magic in Dallas like he did in Colorado.

But it seems Sanders himself isn’t really interested in the idea of coaching in the NFL. Whatever the opportunity may be, he would prefer dropping it to stay in college.

Deion Sanders does not entertain the thought of ever moving to the NFL

With Shedeur Sanders joining the NFL soon, there were rumors his dad would have followed him into the NFL. Sanders would have made that leap to continue helping his son develop as a QB. However, as per his latest comments on the TV show “We Got Time Today,” Sanders may have made it clear he isn’t willing to coach in the NFL. “I couldn’t coach pro ball. That’s why, I couldn’t coach. I know it was cute. But I couldn’t coach pro ball, because of the way they practice, the way they go about it. I couldn’t take it. As a man, and as a football enthusiast, I care about the game.” Seems like he is clear about his choices.

This season, after a major loss, someone caught Cowboys players partying. Well, if you are a Cowboy, you must remember that humiliating 34-10 home loss to the Texans. Later that night, Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb and CB Trevon Diggs were caught partying at a nightclub.

This even led to Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe blasting the Cowboys ownership for not taking a stand against them, “That’s why your Cowboys s—. This is what they’re doing. That shows you how much the game of football means to them.” Maybe that’s why Sanders prefers to stay in college, where his voice matters. And there’s no guarantee he would have made himself heard in a locker room full of superstars.