“That’s His Identity”: Deion Sanders’ ‘Gold Jackets’ NFL Experience in Colorado Roster Mirrors Nick Saban’s Influence

Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes may be facing a challenging phase after a less-than-ideal end to the previous season, marked by a significant player turnover and subsequent finger-pointing. Yet, Coach Prime’s unwavering spirit and determination to transform the program into an NFL-like experience is truly inspiring. Despite leading one of the most scrutinized college football programs, Sanders leaves no stone unturned in his quest for excellence.

While the players draw inspiration from Deion Sanders, it’s intriguing to delve into the source of his motivation. Thee Pregame Show, with 247 Sports’ Carl Reed and Uncle Neely, sheds light on this. It’s none other than the coaching legend Nick Saban. The influence of Saban, along with the presence of several ‘Gold Jackets’ in the Colorado Buffaloes, serves as a firm foundation for Sanders and the team, even in challenging times.  

Saban’s influence on building an NFL legacy

Deion Sanders has around 100 days for the new season to kick in. He will make every attempt to make this one grand, as it will mark Shedeur’s last season in college football. Now that the Buffs HC is on his mission to do something big, Reed revealed what it can be. “Coach really wants to an NFL type of program. That’s his identity, and that’s what he resonates with,” he claimed confidently. 

Reed further pointed out Saban’s influence on Sanders and how they go through similar experiences: “He also has a great mentor on Coach Saban who built his staff in a very similar way. So if guys want to play in the National Football League, they have the tutelage of the guys who have been in that situation both as players and with the coaching experience.” The shooting for the Aflac commercial was a lucky occasion for Coach Prime to get some assurance from the coaching maestro. Even though Coach Saban has moved away from the sport, Deion Sanders can easily count on his own “gold jackets” staff.

Deion Sanders’ coaching staff is an invaluable asset

Coach Prime knows the Buffaloes staff roster runs high in experience. He uses it as his unique brand of motivation for players to trust their abilities and the guidance they will be receiving. Deion Sanders shared a lesser-known anecdote where he interacted with the players in one session. He started by asking the players, “What was the number of professional experience that we have on the staff?” 

The Buffs HC was the one to answer his own question. He proudly boasted, “So you got 127 years of NFL experience in this room been there done that. You could glean from anybody everybody’s here is an asset. Helping you to get to where you want to go.” Hence, having prior NFL experience has been a criterion Sanders adhered to while loading his coaching staff roster. 

Some of the notable names who appeared to have ticked the checkboxes include Warren Sapp, the Pro Football Hall of Famer who joined the Colorado Buffaloes as a grad assistant. Pat Shurmur, who has an experience of 21 long seasons in the NFL, has taken the offensive coordinator position. These names are nothing less than pure gold.