Deion Sanders, the head coach of Colorado Buffaloes football, addressed the upcoming season and the evolving landscape of college football at Big 12 media days. A significant point of discussion revolved around the team's future without his sons, Shedeur and Shilo Sanders, who have been integral to the program.
Coaching Dynamics Without His Sons
Despite widespread speculation that the Buffaloes might struggle without Shedeur and Shilo, Coach Sanders expressed optimism and even suggested that their absence could simplify his role. He told Pete Thamel of ESPN College Football that he believes the team is "phenomenal" even with the departure of his sons and Heisman Trophy hopeful Travis Hunter.
Sanders explained that not having his sons on the team allows him to focus solely on coaching. "Because I don’t have to be two things: I don’t have to be a father and head coach," he stated. "Now I can just be the coach."
He elaborated on this point, emphasizing his dedication to the entire team. "Now, I can focus on these young men. And I love so many of them like they’re my own sons.” He emphasized his enthusiasm for the challenge of coaching the Buffaloes without his sons on the roster.
Sanders Calls for NIL Salary Cap
Beyond team dynamics, Sanders also addressed the increasingly prominent role of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals in college football. He specifically mentioned Texas Tech's NIL program and the overall impact of the transfer portal in conjunction with NIL opportunities.
During a panel discussion, Sanders made a formal request to the NCAA, advocating for the implementation of an NFL-style salary cap for NIL deals. This cap, he believes, would bring much-needed structure and fairness to the current system.
"I wish it was a cap, you know, like the top-of-the-line player makes this, and if you’re not that type of guy, you know, you’re not gonna make that,” Sanders explained, drawing a direct comparison to the NFL's financial structure.
He highlighted what he sees as a growing issue within the NIL landscape. "So the problem is, you got a guy that’s not that darn good, but he could go to another school, and it gave them a half a million dollars. You can’t compete with that. It don’t make sense," Sanders asserted. He believes that the current system allows less talented players to command significant sums of money simply by transferring to another school, creating an uneven playing field.
Sanders clarified that Colorado is not complaining about its own NIL situation. Rather, he believes a fundamental change to the system is necessary to ensure fair competition and prevent the distortion of player valuations.
Julian Lewis: The Future Quarterback?
Amidst these broader discussions, Sanders is also preparing for a significant shift at the quarterback position. With Shedeur Sanders' eventual departure on the horizon, the program is looking towards the future. True freshman Julian Lewis has impressed Sanders and is being considered as the potential successor to Shedeur. Lewis's talent and potential have instilled confidence in Sanders, who is excited about the prospect of developing him into the team's future leader.
In summary, Deion Sanders' appearance at Big 12 media days provided insights into his coaching philosophy, his vision for the Colorado Buffaloes, and his perspective on the evolving challenges and opportunities presented by NIL in college football. He is optimistic about the team's future, even without his sons, and is a vocal advocate for reform within the NIL system to promote fairness and sustainability.
Post a Comment for "Deion's Coaching Edge: No Shedeur, No Shilo?"