The rumors that have been circling around the state of Mississippi are true, Jackson State University has named NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders as their newest Head Coach. 

Sanders played fourteen seasons in the NFL, earning a spot in the Pro Bowl eight times. Sanders, having won two Super Bowls, is no stranger to winning. Deion is the 21st head coach in Jackson State’s history. 

“I am truly blessed to be the 21st Head football coach of Jackson State University,” Sanders said in the school’s statement Monday. “It’s my desire to continue this storied tradition and history of JSU and prayerfully bring more national recognition to the athletes, the university, the Sonic Boom of the South, and HBCUs in general.”

JSU Athletic Director Ashley Robinson announced that “It’s very big for Jackson State University. Not only for Jackson State University, this is very big for the country right now. Very big for the state of Mississippi. To Coach Prime, Jackson State University — a blue blood program full of Hall of Famers — it’s just a great time.”

As of right now, Sanders is set on finishing his season as Offensive Coordinator at Trinity Christian School in Texas. Deion coaches his son Shedeur Sanders who plays quarterback and has committed to Florida Atlantic University. After Trinity Christian’s season is complete, Sanders will begin preparing for Jackson State’s season, which has been moved to the Spring due to the coronavirus. 

When asked why he came to JSU, Deion said “Why not? Isn’t this the time?” said Sanders, who starred as a defensive back in the NFL. “Isn’t this the moment? Isn’t this what’s needed? To match what our president eloquently said, it’s a match made in heaven. This is a God move.”

Although Sanders’ coaching experience is rather short, it will be interesting to see how he does at the next level. Sanders brings a lot of energy that players will respect and want to play for. The future of Jackson State is Prime.