Why one Florida State firing could provide Deion Sanders with a rare opportunity

Jason Jones

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Why one Florida State firing could provide Deion Sanders with a rare opportunity image

On Friday, Sports Illustrated confirmed the news that Florida State fired former NFL defensive back Pat Surtain Sr., who had served as the team’s defensive backs coach. Surtain was in that position for three seasons.

Early in his FSU tenure, Surtain saw highs in pass defensive rank early, which faded in the last two seasons. In 2023 Florida State had the No. 4 ranked passing defense but fell to 99th and 105th in 2024 and 2025, respectively.

There has been no public mention of any next steps for Surtain. In a somewhat not suitable for work tweet, Surtain commented publicly confirming he had been in fact fired. If programs are not lining up to interview Surtain, Deion Sanders could have a unique opportunity.

Deion Sanders is not a fan of Florida State

Despite a common belief to the contrary, Sanders is not a big fan of Florida State. Conventional wisdom would suggest that as he played at Florida State, that program should hold a special place in his heart. Apologies to fans that want to see Sanders lead the Seminoles. Its very likely that ship sailed a long time ago.

In 2023, ahead of his first Power Four game against TCU, Sanders was referred to by a reporter in the room as “a Seminole”. Sanders wasted no time in shooting down the idea that he is a Seminole. Whether that stems from not considering him as a head coaching candidate before Colorado or forcing him to give up his scholarship in his junior season, Sanders has not officially confirmed. However, his comments would suggest there is no love lost between Sanders and the Seminoles.

Surtain could add more of what Sanders likes in Boulder

Sanders and Surtain’s college and eventual NFL careers are separated by about eight years, but they are wired similarly. While Sanders has never said so publicly, turning Colorado into the accepted DBU should be an idea that appeals to him. With Surtain, you would have someone who is almost a stylistic extension of Sanders himself. Allowing Sanders to defer to Surtain and current defensive backs coach Kevin Mathis to handle the back end of the defense as part of Robert Livingston’s system.

While Sanders is not likely to agree publicly, his absence during spring ball and the summer practice sessions was noticeable. In his final post-game press conference of 2025 Sanders eluded to decisions being made without him in the room. Having a like minded Power Four position coach in addition to what is already on staff could present coaching and leadership options. In the event Sanders must be pulled away from day-to-day tasks, which was the case in 2025.

Some coaches are offensive guys, and some are defensive guys. Some, like Sanders, are best when they play the CEO coach role. Hands in everything, not solely responsible for any one facet, but responsible for the entire operation overall. With Sanders recent health scares and a steadfast belief that slowing down is not an option, Sanders having more able lieutenants to execute his vision cannot be a bad thing.

Local fringe benefits to bringing in Surtain

Let’s identify the reigning NFL defensive player of the year sized elephant in the room. Pat Surtain Sr is the father of Pat Surtain Jr. Arguably the best cover cornerback in the NFL is not only related to Surtain Sr, he’s also geographically close to the Boulder campus. Surtain Jr and his Defensive Player of the Year Award both occupy residence in Denver, which is a mere 40 miles from Boulder. 

Likely not so much during the football season, but PSII might have time to visit Dad and spend some time with CU players during the spring and summer sessions. Adding to the technique coaching happening currently. College football players enjoy interacting with pros. Such an interaction between Colorado Buffaloes and Denver Broncos players would not even be the first time relative to Coach Prime.

Right before Sanders first season, quarterback Russell Wilson and other Broncos at the time were invited to Boulder and participated in some form of practice. As well as imparting wisdom on Colorado players. Less than two week later, Colorado coaches were invited to the Broncos facility.

During the 2025 NFL draft process that included Shedeur Sanders coming off the board 3-4 round later than everyone expected, Broncos head coach Sean Payton came to the younger Sanders’ defense. “There’s going to be this chip on his shoulder, and beware… because this guy is going to play in this league.”

Currently, Colorado does not have a need for a new defensive backs coach. However, Surtain Sr's style of play and defense, along with a need to minimize how much Sanders needs to be hands on, it could present an opportunity to check several boxes. Specifically, the ones that are important to Sanders.

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Editorial Team