Jackson State is planning to hire Dennis Thurman as the Tigers' defensive coordinator, sources told FootballScoop on Thursday. FootballScoop has reported since Sanders' hiring that Thurman is expected to join the staff, and sources continue to indicate that will be the case.
Thurman previously coordinated defenses for the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills, holding those jobs from 2013-16. Thurman coached defensive backs for the Baltimore Ravens from 2004-07, coaching Sanders in 2004-05. Thurman's hiring will make three members of the 2004-05 Ravens on Jackson State's staff, joining former Ravens fullback Alan Ricard.
A 9-year player with the Dallas Cowboys and St. Louis Cardinals, Thurman has 26 years of NFL experience. Sanders has repeatedly set his staff will have 84 total years of NFL service.
Thurman most recently worked as the defensive coordinator for the Memphis Express of the AAF in 2019.
Additionally, sources confirmed to FootballScoop that Jackson State has indeed left Nike and is in negotiations with Under Armour to become a UA client.
Apparel stood as a potential sticking point in negotiations between Deion and the school. Sanders has endorsed UA for years; the commercial below dates back to 2013.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdNRGu9AQLQ
Sanders referenced the switch himself in an Oct. 2 social media post, and sources said the switch is indeed happening.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.