Paul Finebaum backs Deion Sanders for USC head coach

Could one of college football’s most charismatic head coaches be on their way to Southern California? Today on Get Up, Paul Finebaum backed Jackson State head coach Deion Sanders as the next head coach of the USC Trojans.

While ESPN college football analyst Heather Dinich expressed concern due to lack of experience, Finebaum had no qualms about Sanders’ shortcomings.

“Absolutely. Heather’s right about a lot of things — but what Deion Sanders can do is hire a staff. He can go out and get a great defense and offensive coordinator,” said Finebaum. “He is the face of a program.”

Is there a city in America that needs a face and glitz more than Los Angeles? I think he would be unbelievable. Go head and hire him today.”

In a short time, Sanders has brought an energy previously unforeseen to Jackson State. Whether it’s cameras, paparazzi or simply better football, Sanders has brought it to the Mississippi-based university.

Additionally, College GameDay‘s Desmond Howard agreed with Finebaum — Sanders would be a tremendous choice.

“I’ve seen less qualified coaches get bigger coaching jobs,” stated Howard. “So I would say yes.

“I think he brings a name, he brings a brand. He’s able to recruit. He would bring a lot of attention there and be able to put together a magnificent coaching staff. So I would say yes.”

While Sanders is doing great things for Jackson State, it’s exciting to think about the possibility of him at a program like USC.

‘I believe Deion Sanders can be that person’

Last Saturday on Big Noon Kickoff, Reggie Bush kicked off the campaign for Sanders to USC.

“I do believe there is a coach out there that can help restore USC to its greatness,” Bush said. “I believe Deion Sanders can be that person. He can be that person. When you think about what he’s done at Jackson State right now, Jackson State has the No. 55 recruiting class in the nation. They’re one ahead of Kansas State, which has a significantly much-larger budget than Jackson State does. But what does that tell you?

“That tells you Deion knows how to recruit. Let’s just use this as an example. Deion Sanders is the head coach at USC. He walks into your house and says, ‘Matt (Leinart), I want you to come play and be the starting quarterback at USC.’ What are you going to say? … You’re gonna say yes.”

Bush makes a great point — what could be better than playing for Coach Prime in Southern California?

Sanders: ‘I’m locked in’ at JSU

While Sanders has a bevy of people suggesting him for the job, he quieted the rumors. Responding to mentions, he stated he’s locked in on Jackson State.

“I’m thankful that Reggie mentioned me,” Sanders said Monday, according to The Jackson (Miss.) Clarion-Ledger. “I’m thankful that he thought much of our friendship that I could be a candidate or whatever. Appreciative of that, but I’m locked in, man, I’m locked in — locked in.

“I’m right where I want to be. Elated I’m coaching my sons. I’m loving this culture. I want to win, wish we would have won (this past Saturday at Louisiana-Monroe), but I’m locked in.”

While Deion Sanders is bullish on the USC opening as of now, we’ll see if his answer changes if they make him an offer he can’t refuse.