Kevin Stefanski On Deion Sanders’ Involvement With Shedeur Sanders, Cleveland Browns

As former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders begins his NFL career with the Cleveland Browns, conversations surrounding his father—Colorado coach Deion Sanders—have followed closely behind. After the 2025 NFL Draft, some speculated that Shedeur’s slide to the fifth round had less to do with talent and more with his iconic father being viewed as a potential tag-along.

Critics have speculated that some NFL coaches might have feared "Coach Prime" having too much influence inside their building—or worse, potentially positioning himself to take their job. But Browns coach Kevin Stefanski offered a different perspective.

Oct 7, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders with son and quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

In a Friday morning interview on Cleveland’s 92.3 The Fan, Stefanski addressed those rumors head-on and clarified the extent of Deion’s relationship with the Browns.

“I don’t know Deion well. I don’t talk to him,” Stefanski said in a clip posted to X by The Fan. “Pat Shurmur is on the [Colorado] staff—I talk to Pat.”

That statement alone may surprise some who assumed Deion would be in regular communication with any team that drafted his son.

May 10, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski watches quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during rookie minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Stefanski made it clear that while the Browns maintain a strong and respectful relationship with the Colorado football program, Deion isn’t influencing day-to-day decisions in Berea.

“I know Deion has a great relationship with our organization, which is important,” Stefanski continued. “He's doing an amazing job at Colorado. We had a bunch of their front office personnel come in this week to meet with our front office and do some exchanging of ideas. So we have a great relationship with their program—but no, not speaking to Deion on a regular basis. Really not speaking to any coaches on a regular basis. I think we’re all pretty busy.”

"I don't know Deion well. Not speaking to Deion on a regular basis. Really not speaking to any coaches on a regular basis. I think we're all pretty busy."

🏈 @Browns HC Kevin Stefanski w/ @KenCarman & @SportsBoyTony on Deion Sanders dynamic⤵️

🔊 Listen: https://t.co/0UTJw79ufm pic.twitter.com/ocFnblF5yO
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) May 23, 2025

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The response reinforces two key points: Shedeur Sanders will be evaluated on his own merit in Cleveland, and any speculation about Deion's ability to control the narrative inside the Browns’ organization is largely unfounded.

For Shedeur, that likely comes as welcome news. Since arriving in Cleveland, he’s gone out of his way to show he's focused on earning respect—not riding off his last name.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) heads on to the field during day two of NFL rookie minicamp at the Cleveland Browns training facility on Saturday, May 10, 2025, in Berea, Ohio. | Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

By all early accounts, he approached rookie minicamp with humility, competitiveness, and a willingness to lead. As recently reported, even Super Bowl champion turned ESPN radio host Chris Canty described Shedeur as the “leader in the clubhouse” in Cleveland.

Meanwhile, Deion Sanders has remained publicly supportive of both his sons from afar, posting to his social media channels as any proud father would.

Nov 29, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes safety Shilo Sanders (21) and head coach Deion Sanders and quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) and social media producer Deion Sanders Jr. following the win against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

But “Coach Prime” is turning the page to the next chapter of Colorado football, a shift reflected in his first practice without either of his sons on the field.

“I’ve been anticipating this day. . . . Now I can just be coach; I don’t have to be dad. And I like that. I love that,” Sanders told his Colorado Buffaloes team.

Stefanski’s comments help put to rest a narrative that’s followed Shedeur Sanders since draft night—that his father might overshadow his NFL development. Instead, what’s becoming clear is that Deion Sanders is a supportive father and a head coach with his own football team to manage.

As questions about Deion’s influence in Cleveland begin to fade, Stefanski and his staff can focus on building a winning team while Shedeur stays committed to earning his place within it.