As a player in the NFL, Deion Sanders was all about his money. Now as head coach of the Jackson State Tigers, he figures to do the same.
Sanders issued his opinion on the recent trend of NCAA conference realignment:
“Well you called it realignment, you can really call it chasing the bag,” Sanders told the network. “That’s all they’re doing, is chasing the bag,” Sanders said. “Everything with realignment is all about, I’m trying to put it nicely because I’m a head coach now, but they’re trying to get money, man. Everybody’s trying to line themselves up properly so their program can prosper. I don’t mind that; I want ours to prosper as well.”
#NEWS Never one to mince words, @DeionSanders calls college football's realignment "chasing the bag," aka a money-grab, & says his @GoJSUTigersFB program already is exploring options: https://t.co/wEPy3y0pWW @FootballScoop
— John Brice (@JohnDBrice1) July 16, 2022
Sanders' comments come after a sudden surge of college athletic programs elected to leave their current conferences to join new ones. On June 30, USC and UCLA decided to leave the Pac-12 for the Big Ten. Last year, the SEC kickstarted the trend by acquiring both Texas and Oklahoma from the Big 12. To counter this move, the Big 12 acquired Cinncinati, Houston, and UCF from the AAC. They also acquired BYU.
There is also movement happening in lower-tier conferences such as the Sun Belt and Conference USA.
Sanders is aware of the ramifications of a move to the FBS stating that Jackson State is considering all options.
“What do we want to do? Do we want to sit back in that tradition or do we want to put ourselves in a financial situation where our school prospers? You really gotta factor that in and weigh those options… We’re already speaking about it,” Sanders said.
Jackson State currently plays in the SWAC of the FCS. A team has not left the conference since Arkansas–Pine Bluff in 1970. If Jackson State were to leave the SWAC it would likely be due to a desire for greater competition. Greater competition equals more fans. More fans equal more profit.
A move to the FBS would likely put them in talks to join the Sun Belt Conference or Conference USA.
Sanders' arrival at Jackson State sparked a revival in the program. In two years, the Tigers have a 13-4 record and a bowl game appearance. Sanders was also named SWAC Coach of the Year in 2021.
Follow Us
Subscribe