Report: Deion Sanders has 'very strong interest' in Las Vegas Raiders head coach job

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders has “very strong interest” in the Las Vegas Raiders head coach opening, according to a report from the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The franchise is in the early stages of its search to replace Antonio Pierce.

Sanders previously said he didn’t plan on coaching in the NFL following his second season at Colorado. He helped engineer an impressive turnaround in Boulder this past year, taking the Buffaloes from a 4-8 record in 2023 to 9-4 in 2024. He also had the Heisman Trophy winner in Travis Hunter, as well as his son, top quarterback prospect Shedeur Sanders, leading the charge.

WATCH Steelers vs. Ravens on Wild Card Weekend only on Prime Video by CLICKING HERE

The Review-Journal’s Vincent Bonsignore cited a person close to Sanders who said Coach Prime is interested in the Raiders job. The franchise started its search after moving on from Pierce earlier this week, and minority owner Tom Brady is reportedly taking on a key role in the process.

Deion Sanders has “very strong interest” in ⁦@Raiders⁩ head coaching job. My story on the Colorado coach having his eye on Las Vegas opening: https://t.co/eteHsmB0wW

— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) January 11, 2025

Sanders arrived at Colorado after an impressive three-year run at Jackson State, which was his first foray into college coaching. The Tigers went 27-6 during that time and making the Celebration Bowl in back-to-back seasons.

Sanders previously denied rumors connecting him to NFL openings this year, reaffirming his focus on Colorado. However, he said there was only one way he’d consider returning to the league, where he became one of the best cornerbacks of all-time. He’d want to coach his sons, Shedeur and Shilo.

“The only way I would consider, is to coach my sons,” Deion Sanders said on “Good Morning America” this week. “Not son. Sons.”

With Shedeur Sanders on his way to the NFL as the top quarterback prospect in the draft, according to ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., Colorado made a big splash on the recruiting trail. Elite quarterback Julian “JuJu” Lewis committed to the Buffaloes as the heir apparent to Sanders at quarterback. The Carrollton (Ga.) product is a four-star prospect and the No. 39 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

The Raiders’ search is in the early stages of its process after moving on from Pierce this week. One name to watch is Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who is “picking up way more steam” for the job, according to FOX Sports’ Peter Schrager. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport added Johnson made a strong impression on Brady and the rest of the Raiders brass in his interview.