Deion Sanders discusses who has mentored him in his coaching career

Deion Sanders and Colorado have a big task ahead of them as they host USC on Saturday.

Sanders’ stint leading Jackson State from 2020-2022 was his, of course, his first time coaching at the collegiate level. And his success there saw him take the reins at Colorado, where he’s 3-1 ahead of a game against a possible Heisman Trophy candidate in Caleb Williams and a potential College Football Playoff contender.

He was asked on FOX’s “Big Noon Kickoff” who his mentors in the coaching fraternity were.

“First of all, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is No. 1. I have a tremendous relationship,” Sanders said. “But when it’s talking football, I can pick up the phone and call Coach [Nick] Saban whenever, because he is the magna cum laude of all of this. Mike Zimmer has been there for me. Guys like Willie Taggart.”

Sanders also mentioned coaches “in-house” that have helped him.

“Pat Shurmur, Dennis Thurman, these guys are unbelievable in their experience and their intellect and their relational aspects of life,” he said.

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Sydney Hunte

Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.