On Aug. 31, FootballScoop first shared the news Jackson State planned to make a head coaching change.
That same day, we wrote that Deion Sanders was the prime candidate of their search, while stating that offensive coordinator TC Taylor remained a viable candidate.
The University issued denials of our report through their local media.
This morning, we wrote that Prime remained the focus of the search, adding that the University planned to have a deal in place by next week. In the same report, we noted TC Taylor remained an option if Jackson State was unable to land Deion.
After we reported the news above, a person in leadership in JSU Athletics called FootballScoop and explicitly stated that Deion Sanders would not be getting the job, adding the expectation was that TC Taylor would be the next head coach. In fact, this person went so far as to say, "We have an agreement in place and it is not with Deion Sanders."
Shortly thereafter HBCUGameDay reported that Deion was expected to be the next head coach. In response, FootballScoop contacted leadership of JSU Athletics. The response we received was, "HBCU is wrong. We will let them know."
HBCU subsequently deleted both their tweets and their article.
This afternoon Ross Dellenger of Sports Illustrated tweeted, "A Jackson State spokesman tells SI that the school has narrowed its list of head coaching candidates to three. Deion Sanders, the spokesman says, is not one of them. A hire is expected to be announced next week. JSU OC TC Taylor remains a strong candidate, per source."
At this point, all signs pointed to TC Taylor being the next head coach, because that is what JSU Athletics leadership told FootballScoop and a JSU spokesman told Ross Dellenger.
Late this afternoon Dellenger tweeted,"Multiple sources tell SI the school is finalizing a deal with Deion Sanders... despite the university refuting HBCU's report. A hangup getting smoothed out: Sanders is under contract with Under Armour. JSU is Nike.
FootballScoop reached out to JSU Athletics leadership, who apologized for misleading us earlier and who confirmed what we wrote this morning, and what Dellenger tweeted is accurate.
Prime is the target. A deal is expected to be completed by next week.
Great get for Jackson State (assuming it gets done). The way they got there, exemplifies why people use hashtags like #SWACtastic.