The intriguing debate among Las Vegas Raiders fans revolves around why so many of them don’t care for Coach Prime. Let’s explore the opinions of Raider Nation directly from the source.
First off, we’re assuming that current Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce won’t be seeing Year 2 of his run. Let’s face it, 2024 has been an unmitigated disaster on many levels. Sure, there have been factors outside of his control that we must mention.
Injuries have primarily decimated the Raiders roster, and mistakes like moving on from Josh Jacobs have returned to haunt the team. Conversely, the decision to go with Gardner Minshew has come full circle (though to be fair, we’re all judging based on one performance by Aidan O’Connell against the Kansas City Chiefs).
Having said that, someone will have to bear the consequences. While Pierce returning might not necessarily be a shock, a plausible scenario will be that owner Mark Davis and fellow minority owner Tom Brady will want a “hard reset.” You even have to wonder if general manager Tom Telesco would survive a house cleaning. So, this is where things get complicated and we insert Deion Sanders into the conversation.
“I probably don’t hate it as much as I hated the McDaniels hiring at the time. He’s clearly competent, and people want to work with him, and players want to play for him. However, I get really worried about the idea because what if Shedeur actually isn’t that good? Deion’s never going to pivot off him, which could potentially create a big issue.” –@austincjboyd
Are Deion and Shedeur Sanders a package deal for the Raiders?
The Raiders, sitting at the top of next year’s draft order, are poised for anything in the upcoming weeks. With several games left, the order could change, but if Las Vegas ends up in the No. 1 through 3 range, Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders would be the consensus pick (at least how things are looking at the moment). Sin City needs a franchise-altering quarterback, and both Davis and Brady understand that this draft offers a chance to secure one.
However, the quarterback position is one thing, but deciding who will lead the team is another issue. Since taking over the football program at Colorado, “Coach Prime” has been a magnet for debate (and controversy at times). Interestingly, Shedeur also elicits negative reactions from the public, as many associate the term “diva” with the father-and-son team.
However, in their defense, it’s often the baseless attacks by fans and media pundits that damage the reputation of the Sanders family. When you cut through all the negativity, Coach Prime has done well for himself in college, though his time in Colorado has not seen as much success as many would’ve hoped.
“Coach Prime’s success with Jackson State University’s program was outstanding, but it wasn’t a Division 1 program. Currently, his offense can not run the ball, and his defense can not stop the run. Two glaring weaknesses in the Raiders organization. Will he bring enough to the table to combat the X and O’s masterminds or be forced to rely on his son/s? He’s made his affinity for the Boulder campus and his position as the head coach of the University of Colorado football team well known. Maybe he’s ready to finally let his sons fly on their own.” –@PhilRobinsonIII
Many within Raider Nation are opposed to the idea of Deion joining the Raiders, perhaps to replace Pierce. Others simply desire to see some form of change. Concerns exist regarding the elder Sanders’ ability to effectively transition into the NFL coaching ranks, given its distinct nature compared to the college game.
“I don’t know if he translates well right now. College he has unlimited power; the NFL holds him back a bit, in my opinion. I don’t think it makes sense for him right now; it would definitely do well, but I feel like he can build bigger in college. I also feel like AP needs more time; people are ready to bail out on him, but he has NO QB, no real OC, no RB, and tons of injuries. Give the guy a chance.” –@KennyKing_Jr
One year appears to be a short tenure for a head coach who is still learning the job. Surely Davis knew this when he hired Pierce, but now, circumstances have changed, especially with Brady coming in.
Until then, we’ll leave you with more responses from other Raiders fans.
“What he’s done at JSU & Colorado is hard to put a finger on, IMO. Can he really coach, or does the fact that he’s Deion Sanders just draw big-name prospects to CU? I think he’s better than AP, but it’s marginal. I do think a HC/QB father/son combination in the NFL is too combustible, though. I also don’t think Deion truly wants an NFL HC job at this time, though.” –@Averysdaddy84
“S***, he would be better than AP. He would bring his OC from Colorado; Shedeur would thrive under him. But I don’t know if you want to involve family on a team because if you fire Sanders later, then Shedeur is going to get in his feelings.” –@RRICH1990
*Top Photo: The Raider Ramble
Las Vegas Raiders Are Their Own Worst Enemy; Kansas City Chiefs Win AFC West Duel
The post Are Raiders Fans Opposed To Deion Sanders Being The Next Head Coach? appeared first on The Raider Ramble.