Report: Deion Sanders interviewed for TCU football job and was 'impressive'

TCU football is looking for a coach, and it is looking at Jackson State's Deion Sanders as a candidate, according to the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram, which wrote that Sanders is "squarely in the mix" for the job. 

Gary Patterson, who was the winningest coach in TCU history, resigned from his post Oct. 31, ending a more than 20-year run. Sanders is a reported candidate along with SMU's Sonny Dykes, Louisiana's Billy Napier, Iowa State's Matt Campbell, and Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliott. 

According to the Star-Telegram, Sanders interviewed for the job Monday. A Jackson State spokesperson has declined to comment. 

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"I’m not saying he is going to get the job, not saying he’s the leading candidate at this point," an unnamed source close to the selection committee told the Star-Telegram, "but he is in the mix. He was impressive."

Sanders is familiar with the Dallas-Fort Worth area, having played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1995-1999. He won a Super Bowl and made four of his eight Pro Bowls with the Cowboys. He later began his coaching career at a school he started, Prime Prep, which was also in the area. His last stop before Jackson State was Trinity Christian in nearby Cedar Hill, Texas, where he was offensive coordinator. 

The report comes as Sanders recovers from foot surgery that forced him to miss Jackson State's past three games.

Interim coach Gary Harrell said Monday that Sanders is planning to return either this weekend or "at least" by next week when the Tigers play Alcorn State. 

Sanders is under contract with JSU through Dec. 1 2024, making $300,000 annually. If he terminates the contract he will owe Jackson State 50% of the remaining value of his contract.