Deion Sanders Favored to be Next Head Coach of Struggling Major College Football Program

Landing a big name like Deion Sanders would be monumental for a college football program looking for a new spark.

It would be even more intriguing if the program happens to be one coming off an undefeated regular season and a controversial snub from the College Football Playoff.

Sanders is currently settled in as the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, trying to get them their first winning season since #. While his first year didn't all go according to plan, finishing 4-8, it marked significant progress for a team that went 1-11 the year before he joined.

Now, Colorado is 2-1 after three weeks following victories over North Dakota State and Colorado State and a loss to Nebraska. While a potential 3-1 record would simply replicate the performance the Buffaloes had to start their first year under Sanders, it's a positive sign that the program can start on the right note with him in charge.

This is where the ACC's Florida State Seminoles come into the picture. Despite going undefeated in the regular season on top of winning the ACC Championship, they were left out of the CFP as they ended the year with a blowout loss to Georgia in the Orange Bowl.

This season, they are off to a disappointing 0-3 start despite having high expectations on trying to prove the doubters that they deserved a spot in the CFP. Unfortunately, losses to Georgia Tech, Boston College, and Memphis have damaged their case of being a potential pick for the CFP.

The brutal start to the season has sparked widespread speculation regarding a possible replacement for Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell.

According to BetOnline Sportsbook, the current betting favorite is none other than Sanders himself with odds at +300. Despite the Buffaloes' lackluster performance in the standings, Sanders' unique appeal is undeniable.

His connection to FSU, where he played from 1985 to 1988 in 45 games and has his No. 2 jersey honored, only strengthens his candidacy. Here are the odds:

Deion Sanders: +300

Matt Rhule: +400

Lane Kiffin: +600

Pat Surtain Sr.: +700

Jamey Chadwell: +1000

In 2021 and 2022, Colorado's recruit classes were ranked 65th and 58th by 247Sports, respectively. In 2023, Sanders' inaugural year as head coach, they soared to the 21st spot, including achieving the top rank in transfers. Such an impact is rare, particularly for a program like Colorado's.

The resources at Sanders' disposal would be markedly different if he were to take over FSU. In 2023, Colorado's athletic department operated on a budget of $134 million. In contrast, FSU's expenditure was $172 million in 2022, and they are reported to have allocated approximately $12 million to NIL money, according to The Athletic.

“The team has struggled despite the Noles making a big investment in their defensive line this year with almost $2 million going to their starting front in what is an NIL team budget of around $12 million, a source briefed on FSU’s NIL strategy told The Athletic this week.”

The future plans of Sanders after his sons, Shedeur and Shilo Sanders, conclude their college careers are yet to be determined. Shedeur is anticipated to be a potential Day 1 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, while Shilo is projected as a Day 2 or possibly an early Day 3 pick.

The potential scenario of Sanders being the next coach can be appealing to Seminoles fans, but for now, they will have to focus on the team's next matchup against the California Golden Bears on Sept. 21.

They'll also hope to get ranked wins against the likes of No. 21 Clemson, No. 8 Miami, and No. 17 Notre Dame later this season. Getting victories in those games could reignite hope for CFP consideration.

Related: ESPN's Pete Thamel Believes There's 'Something Missing' in Major College Football Program Amid 0-3 Start