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Deion Sanders’ decision to leave Jackson State University to become the new head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes did not come without controversy.
But it’s undeniable what Sanders did to list up the FCS football program.
In three years with the Tigers, Coach Prime amassed a 27-5 record. That includes a pair of Southwestern Athletic Conference championships and an undefeated season in 2022. Between his on-field success and his off-field contributions, Sanders’ legacy within the JSU program is secure.
Now it appears that legacy could extend well beyond Sanders’ tenure as the Tigers’ head coach.
Jackson State Set To Announce Deion Sanders Assistant T.C. Taylor As Next Coach
Sanders met with his players shortly after Jackson State’s 43-24 rivalry game victory over Southern to tell them he would be leaving.
During the speech, he told the players and JSU Athletic Director Ashley Robinson, who he would like to replace him.
“I would like to recommend T.C. Taylor as the next head coach,” Sanders said to his players, who began clapping. “But that is just my recommendation. Everyone knows how I feel about T.C. (Taylor) and several of the staff members will be retained here. I would love for someone in the house to get the job.” – via the Clarion Ledger
It appears that Robinson took that suggestion to heart. Football Scoop reports that Jackson State is “on the verge of” naming Taylor its next head coach.
Multiple sources Monday tell FootballScoop that Taylor, a former star player for the Tigers and most recently the program’s wide receivers coach and a key figure as Deion Sanders guided JSU’s program to record heights, is expected to be formally named the Tigers’ next head coach, barring any unforeseen snags.
Taylor played from 1998-2001 for the Tigers and holds the JSU single-season record with 84 receptions. He then briefly played in both the NFL and NFL Europe before beginning a career in coaching.
While losing Sanders is a big deal, it appears Jackson State will remain in good hands.