“Be the Adult in the Room”: Coach Prime Advised to Act His Age and Emulate Nick Saban and Co. Amidst Xavier Smith Controversy

Deion Sanders has faced a lot of criticism lately due to the large number of players leaving his Colorado football program. These departing players haven’t been shy about criticizing Sanders and his coaching style. The latest bombshell came from former safety Xavier Smith, who publicly accused Sanders of “destroying guys’ confidence and belief in themselves.” 

This harsh criticism went viral online, and Sanders responded in a way many found immature. He mocked Smith’s 2023 stats at Austin Peay State University, posting a picture of them on social media with the caption “Lawd Jesus.” Unfortunately, his response didn’t come across as very mature. Now he’s been advised to act more professionally, like legendary coaches such as Nick Saban.

Critics want Deion Sanders to be more mature

Sports anchors Rob Parker and Chris Broussard reacted to Coach Prime’s involvement in the Twitter beef after Xavier Smith’s exit. Rob Parker said, “He [Deion] should be the adult in the room and that’s the disappointing thing.” He went on to give his share of advice saying, “You could say all that stuff about Alabama and all that I never seen coaches of those schools going back and forth against. That to me is juvenile.” Now Parker asked Deion to act like Alabama’s Nick Saban and handle the team with professionalism.

The disappointed Parker further added, “You really need to do that? You’re the adult. I get it if the kids are doing it.” Now he clearly disapproved of Deion Sanders’ recent online behavior. However, things have gotten messier with Deion’s kids also defending the family against online attacks. Recently, his quarterback son Shedeur called Smith a “mid” (mediocre) player.  While it’s understandable for the “kids” to react, people expect Deion, as the adult, to be more professional.

Coach Prime needs a lesson from Nick Saban

Even the most successful coaches face online criticism after disappointing losses. Last season, Alabama’s legendary coach Nick Saban was targeted by critics after a surprising home loss to Texas. Some of the team’s former players themselves joined the online bash criticizing the former head coach. Instead of lashing out, Saban handled the situation with grace. “Why wouldn’t we get criticized if we don’t play well?” Saban said. He then addressed the divided support on online platforms saying, “‘Man this guy’s a j*rk for saying this about you’. No, he really isn’t. It’s right”

Thereafter, Saban focused on improving the team, ultimately reaching the championship finals. Now Deion Sanders faces a similar situation with the CU Buffs. Instead of exchanging online barbs, some people believe that channeling Saban’s approach and focusing on winning is the need of the hour.  A major roster overhaul at Colorado is now hinting that Deion is already working toward a victorious season just like Saban.