Obviously, Colorado won’t be thrilled”: Pat McAfee imagines how Coach Prime moving to Raiders could go down
Deion Sanders, widely known as “Coach Prime,” has spent the past two seasons leading the University of Colorado football program. However, a new potential destination for Sanders could ignite speculation, as discussed on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show. The Las Vegas Raiders recently parted ways with their interim head coach, Antonio Pierce, and are searching for a replacement. While reports suggest NFL coaching legend Bill Belichick is a contender despite his current role with North Carolina’s football team, McAfee believes Sanders could be an even more exciting choice.
McAfee explained on his show that hiring Sanders would generate significant buzz for the Raiders. “Las Vegas is always gonna be pumping,” McAfee said. “I assume Raiders fans think, ‘We’re not that far away.’ If they were to bring Prime in, it would be a splash hiring that gets Las Vegas pumped.” He speculated that Sanders could bring along his son, Shedeur Sanders, Colorado’s standout quarterback, which would create an electrifying dynamic for the struggling franchise. While the impact of such a move remains uncertain, McAfee noted that hiring a high-profile coach like Sanders could revive hope among the Raiders’ fanbase.
The Raiders’ Challenges and Opportunities
The Raiders finished the season with a 4-13 record, enduring a grueling 10-game losing streak. Despite the turmoil, they plan to retain general manager Tom Telesco and aim to rebuild around key players like defensive end Maxx Crosby and tight end Brock Bowers. The organization hopes its next head coach can lead the team back to postseason contention, something they haven’t achieved since 2021. Over the past two decades, the Raiders have cycled through 13 head coaches, highlighting the instability within the franchise.
The Raiders’ last significant success came in 2003, when they reached Super Bowl XXXVII and won their last division title. Under former owner Al Davis, the team was known for bold, unconventional moves. Hiring Sanders could restore that innovative reputation while energizing the fanbase.
Coach Prime’s NFL Aspirations
Sanders has expressed interest in having a say in where his son Shedeur plays in the NFL. While opinions vary on whether Shedeur should be a high pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, pairing him with his father in Las Vegas could create excitement for a team that has struggled in recent years. A Sanders-led Raiders team might reignite hope for the franchise while bringing a fresh and unique approach to the NFL.
Ultimately, whether the Raiders opt for Sanders or another candidate, the decision will shape the future of a once-proud organization eager to return to its winning ways.
