Paul Finebuam 'fully expects' Deion Sanders' name to emerge in NFL coaching talks

As the NFL coaching carousel continues to turn, Paul Finebaum believes it won’t be long until Deion Sanders is forced to consider leaving Boulder and the Colorado Buffaloes for the league.

While Coach Prime has been adamant that he’s satisfied in college and he’s committed to Colorado, sometimes when the NFL beckons, you have to listen. Finebaum is of the opinion that it’s only a matter of time before Sanders makes the jump.

“You think about Deion, this is the first time I’ve heard his name in a couple weeks. Deion can be sincere all he wants about wanting to stay in Boulder, but the biggest show in college football is going on right now, and he’s not part of it,” Finebaum stated, via The Matt Barrie Show. “The NFL is bigger than college football. He’s not part of that. I fully expect to hear Prime’s name mentioned early and often.”

As we’ve seen over the past couple of seasons, Sanders’ ability to galvanize a program could go a long way towards convincing an NFL team to hire him. Coupled with his experience at the professional level with multiple teams, it wouldn’t take much to convince a desperate franchise that Sanders could be the one who changes everything for them.

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While Finebaum is a believer, Sanders has continually shot down any and all rumors of moving on to the NFL level. However, the Buffaloes leader appeared on Good Morning America on Wednesday, and his latest answer on whether he’d ever make the jump surprised some.

“The only way I would consider, is to coach my sons,” he told GMA, highlighting both Shedeur and Shilo Sanders. “Not son. Sons.”

It’s easier said than done getting his sons on the same team, as it’s not a given that his sons will be drafted to the same team. Shedeur Sanders, the No. 1 QB in the 2025 NFL Draft cycle, isn’t expected to have to wait long to hear his name called this April. 

It remains to be seen where Shilo Sanders will land, but he would need to be drafted to the same team as his younger brother for Coach Prime to consider making the jump.

Still, it doesn’t appear as though he’s ready to move on from college football just yet, especially after leading the Buffaloes to a 9-4 record and helping coach two-way star Travis Hunter to the Heisman Trophy. 

“I love Colorado. Now, I love my Buffaloes. I love everything that we’re building,” Prime added. “I love everything that we’re doing and I love Boulder, Colorado. I do.”

All told, Deion Sanders leaving Colorado this offseason would be a bit of a shock, but it’s anyone’s guess how long he’ll remain in Boulder after the 2025 campaign. The Buffaloes are hoping to compete for a national title next season, even with Coach Prime’s sons moving on to the league.

On3’s Barkley Truax contributed to this article.