Stephen A. Smith: ‘I hope’ Browns hire Deion Sanders as head coach

Andy McNamara

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Stephen A. Smith: ‘I hope’ Browns hire Deion Sanders as head coach image

Could "Coach Prime" be the spark the Dawg Pound desperately needs? On Monday's ESPN First Take, Stephen A. Smith didn’t just suggest it, he embraced the chaos.

Reacting to the vacancy in Cleveland, Smith declared, "I hope it happens," as he discussed the possibility of Deion Sanders taking the reins for the Browns.

With son Shedeur Sanders set to be firmly in the mix for the starting quarterback job in 2026, the narrative is irresistible. Smith knows it's a longshot, but noted that the Browns need a culture shift that only a personality like the senior Sanders can provide.

More: Schefter: Todd Monken 'still in the mix' for Browns HC job vs. Jim Schwartz

The Prime Case for Cleveland:

  • The "Family Business" Advantage- Reunited with Shedeur, Sanders brings an instant, unbreakable QB-Coach chemistry. The two have produced plenty of success at two stops in college football together.

  • Culture Shock- Sanders doesn’t just coach; he recruits, markets, and wins headlines. He would turn the Browns into the "center of the football universe." Something that would intrigue owner Jimmy Haslam.

The Reality Check:

  • The Jump to the Pros- Success in Boulder,CO is one thing, but navigating NFL schemes and veteran egos is a different beast. If wins don't come quickly, then Sanders overly outgoing personality may wear thin fast.

  • The Media Circus- The younger Sanders created enough distraction on his own through the press as a rookie. Adding his Hall of Fame father to the mix could result in a relentless 24/7 pressure cooker.

Smith admits that Sanders' coaching resume "doesn't warrant it (NFL head coach job)," but the move would break the internet. Whether it would wind up being a stroke of genius or a disastrous gamble, one thing is certain...it would be must see TV.

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