Coach Prime (TV series)

Last updated
Coach Prime
Coach Prime poster.jpg
Genre Sports documentary
Starring Deion Sanders
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes10
Production
Executive producers
  • Jamie Elias
  • Michael Gleaton
  • Constance Schwartz-Morini
  • FredAnthony Smith
  • Michael Strahan
Production locations
Cinematography
  • Gregory Kerrick (season 1)
  • Micah Brown (season 2)
EditorJeff Tober
Running time38–64 minutes
Production companies
Original release
Network Prime Video
ReleaseDecember 29, 2022 (2022-12-29) 
present

Coach Prime is an American television documentary series about college football head coach Deion Sanders.

Contents

On April 26, 2023, Sanders announced that Prime Video Sports renewed the show for the 2023 season during an interview on The Pat McAfee Show . This new season takes place in Boulder, Colorado, where Sanders looks to transform a Colorado team that went 1–11 in 2022. [1] On May 14, 2024, Amazon announced that the show would be renewed for a third season. [2]

Summary

The docuseries follows Deion Sanders (nicknamed "Prime Time"), head coach of the Jackson State University Tigers football team, on and off the field. During the team's 2022 undefeated SWAC championship season, the team had to contend with a water crisis in Jackson, Mississippi, with players moving to different locations, and Sanders guiding them through the crisis. [3] [4] [5]

Cast

Production

An earlier series, also named Coach Prime, was originally launched by SMAC Entertainment in 2021 as a six-episode documentary series following Deion Sanders in his first year as head coach of the Jackson State Tigers, airing on Barstool Sports' YouTube channel starting on August 29, 2021. [6] A second six-episode season was released on Barstool on March 6, 2022. [7]

On October 12, 2022, Coach Prime was announced as a four-part docuseries that would premiere on Prime Video in December 2022. [4] The docuseries is produced by Prime Video Sports and SMAC Productions, and executive produced by Michael Strahan, Constance Schwartz-Morini and FredAnthony Smith. [3] [4] Michael Gleaton is showrunner and executive producer. [5]

On August 21, 2023, it was announced that SMAC Entertainment reached a deal with the University of Colorado to film the docuseries on campus. [8]

Seasons

SeasonEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
1 4December 29, 2022 (2022-12-29)January 5, 2023 (2023-01-05)
2 6December 7, 2023 (2023-12-07)January 4, 2024 (2024-01-04)

Prime Video Release

The official trailer was released on December 15, 2022. [3] The first two parts of the four-part docuseries premiered on Prime Video on December 29, 2022. [9] [10]

Season 1 (2022)

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byOriginal release date
11"All Eyes on Jackson"Michael GleatonDecember 29, 2022 (2022-12-29)

Coach Prime meets face to face with Nick Saban for the first time since Saban's criticism about his recruiting tactics at Jackson State. At the first ever XFL/HBCU Combine, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson gives a motivational speech about being counted out early in his career. In the preseason, Coach Prime throws his birthday part with special guest Master P. Right before the season starts the City of Jackson is facing a water crisis, declaring a State of Emergency. Coach Prime quickly takes action ensuring his players have safe water by moving them to a nearby town to complete training camp. In their new home, he quickly resets expectations with his team after seeing bad habits setting into place. With Travis Hunter battling injuries in camp, Coach Prime mulls over how to best manage his 5-star recruit without risking further injury. Quickly we're shown the juxtapositon many of these players face; inching closer to their NFL dreams, while back home the struggles continue and survival is everything.

The team heads down to Miami ahead of their season opener against Florida A&M. Coach Prime continues to advocate for clean water in Jackson during media availability, then Michael Vick and Warren Sapp pay a visit to the team in the final days of practice. Travis is still struggling with his injury ahead of the first game and unsure of his playing status. As the game sets to kick off, Coach Prime delivers a powerful speech inspired from the Book of Genesis.
22"More Than a Game"Michael GleatonDecember 29, 2022 (2022-12-29)

Facing an early 0-3 deficit to Tennessee State, Coach Prime is seen coaching his team up on the sideline looking for a better effort to turn it around. The team is now a week away from their first home game and the water crisis is yet to be resolved. Later the team takes a day to help bring water to residents throughout City of Jackson. NFL Scouts are in attendance at practice ahead of the home opener against Grambling State. Coach Prime addresses Travis' injury status, as well as the challenges their program is faced when properly staffing the trainers to take care of their student-athletes. Once at risk for losing his leg to amputation, he recalls his multiple surgeries but despite the adversity continues to be present for his team.

After a fast start in the next game, the team faces challenges with their focus late in the 1st half. In response to a series of uncharacteristic mistakes, Coach Prime demands his leaders step up, and in the 2nd half the Tigers begin to impose their will on the opponent. Led by the playmaking skills of Shedeur Sanders, the team delivers against the hype.
33"Homecoming, JSU Style"Michael GleatonJanuary 5, 2023 (2023-01-05)

After another win, sparks fly between Coach Prime and Coach Robinson of Alabama State, with the latter questioning Coach Prime's contributions to the SWAC. It's now Homecoming Week at Jackson State and with the SWAC conversation still buzzing a new song emerges "Who is SWAC, if I Ain't SWAC?", meanwhile at practice the team is as locked in as ever preparing the play Campbell at home. Later we learn about the history of Homecoming at Jackson State, and what it means to have a team like this especially for the alumni. At the game, Coach Prime brings the stars out with Snoop Dogg and Rick Ross both in attendance for the game. Travis is finally healthy and the team looks to see how they look with their dynamic two-way player.

Travis rehabs his injury as Coach Prime keeps a watchful eye on the rest of his players during an eventful week leading up to the homecoming game.
44"The Perfect Season"Michael GleatonJanuary 5, 2023 (2023-01-05)
During a team meeting, Coach Prime leaves his players to make a tough decision. After taking a vote they eventually decide to dismiss one of their own after breaking multiple team rules. For their next matchup College GameDay makes an historic visit to Jackson State, while recruiting continues in full swing and rumors begin to swirl about a possible move by Coach Prime just before the SWAC Championship.

Season 2 (2023)

Season 2 premiered Dec 7th, 2023 and followed Sanders throughout his inaugural season at the University of Colorado Boulder with the Colorado Buffaloes. [1]

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byOriginal release date
51"We Coming"Micah BrownDecember 7, 2023 (2023-12-07)
62"Put Up or Shut Up"Micah BrownDecember 7, 2023 (2023-12-07)
73"It's Personal"Micah BrownDecember 14, 2023 (2023-12-14)
84"This Is why We're Here"Micah BrownDecember 21, 2023 (2023-12-21)
95"Soul Searching"Micah BrownDecember 28, 2023 (2023-12-28)
106"Only The Beginning"Micah BrownJanuary 4, 2024 (2024-01-04)

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Deion Sanders</span> American football coach and former player (born 1967)

Deion Luwynn Sanders Sr. is an American football coach and former player who is the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes football team. Nicknamed "Prime Time", "Neon Deion", and since becoming a coach, "Coach Prime", he played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, and Baltimore Ravens. Sanders was also a baseball outfielder for nine seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, and San Francisco Giants. He won two Super Bowl titles and made one World Series appearance in 1992, making him the only athlete to play in both a Super Bowl and a World Series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Colorado Buffaloes football</span> Football team of University of Colorado Boulder

The Colorado Buffaloes football program represents the University of Colorado Boulder in college football at the NCAA Division I FBS level, and is a member of the Big 12 Conference. The team was a charter member of the Big 12 before leaving to join the Pac-12 Conference after the 2010 season. After 13 seasons in the Pac-12, the Buffaloes returned to the Big 12 in 2024. Before joining the Big 12, they were members of the Big Eight Conference. The CU football team has played at Folsom Field since 1924. The Buffs all-time record is 716–520–36 as of the 2022 season. Colorado won the 1990 National Championship. The football program is 27th on the all-time win list and 40th in all-time winning percentage.

Darian Hagan is an American former professional football player in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football as a quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes, earning national player of the year and All-American honors in 1989. After his playing career from 2005 to 2022, Hagan was an assistant coach for his alma mater, the University of Colorado Boulder.

Gary Lamar Harrell, affectionately known as "The Flea," is an American college football coach and former professional gridiron football player. He is currently the assistant head coach and running backs coach at the University of Colorado Boulder. Harrell was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL), World League of American Football (WLAF) and Canadian Football League (CFL) for three seasons during the 1990s. Harrell served two stints as the head football coach at Howard University in Washington, D.C. from 2011 to 2012 and 2014 to 2016, with a leave of absence in 2013. He joined the coaching staff at Alabama State University in January 2019, after a two-year stint under Lane Kiffin at Florida Atlantic University.

All or Nothing is a franchise of sports documentary series distributed on the Amazon Prime Video platform. Produced by Amazon Studios, each series has covered a professional sports club or national team. Debuting in 2016 with All or Nothing: A Season with the Arizona Cardinals, the series films the operations, practices, and competitions of teams, players, and coaches.

<i>The Test</i> (Australian TV series) Documentary series about the Australia mens cricket team

The Test, known as The Test: A New Era for Australia's Team in its first season, is an Australian docu-series, produced by Amazon Studios for Amazon Prime Video, and co-produced by Cricket Australia. The first season was released on Prime Video on 12 March 2020 and consists of 8 episodes. A second season, consisting of 4 episodes, was released on 13 January 2023. A 3-episode third season was released on 24 May 2024.

<i>Harlem</i> (TV series) American comedy television series

Harlem is an American comedy television series created and executive produced by Tracy Oliver. It premiered on Amazon Prime Video on December 3, 2021. In February 2022, the series was renewed for a second season, which premiered on February 3, 2023. In December 2023, the series was renewed for a third season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Travis Hunter</span> American football player (born 2003)

Travis Hunter Jr. is an American football cornerback and wide receiver for the Colorado Buffaloes. Known for his two-way playing ability, Hunter won the Heisman Trophy in 2024 and was also the first player in college football history to win both the Chuck Bednarik and Fred Biletnikoff Awards. He previously played for the Jackson State Tigers, where he was the highest-ranked prospect to ever commit to a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) school.

<i>Phat Tuesdays</i> American television documentary series

Phat Tuesdays: The Era of Hip Hop Comedy is an American television documentary series about the 1990s comedy showcase hosted and created by Guy Torry. It premiered on Amazon Prime Video on February 4, 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shedeur Sanders</span> American football player (born 2002)

Shedeur Deion Sanders is an American football quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes. He began his college football career with the Jackson State Tigers, winning the Jerry Rice Award and Deacon Jones Trophy before transferring to Colorado in 2023. Sanders is the youngest son of Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback and Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders.

<i>All or Nothing: Arsenal</i> Amazon Original sports docuseries

All or Nothing: Arsenal is an Amazon Original sports docuseries as part of the All or Nothing brand. In the series, English Premier League side Arsenal's progress was charted through their 2021–22 season, in which they were the youngest team in the Premier League.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 Jackson State Tigers football team</span> American college football season

The 2022 Jackson State Tigers football team represented Jackson State University as a member of the East Division of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) during the 2022 NCAA Division I FCS football season. Led by third-year head coach Deion Sanders, the Tigers played their home games at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson, Mississippi. Jackson State won their second straight SWAC East Division championship and their second straight SWAC title under Sanders leadership, finishing the regular season undefeated, 12–0. The Tigers played MEAC champion North Carolina Central in the 2022 Celebration Bowl in Atlanta, and lost. Sanders resigned as the team's head coach after winning the SWAC championship on December 3, 2022 to become the head coach at Colorado.

The 2022 Celebration Bowl was a college football bowl game played on December 17, 2022, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The seventh annual Celebration Bowl, the game featured the Jackson State Tigers, champions of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and the North Carolina Central Eagles, champions of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). The SWAC and MEAC are the two prominent NCAA Division I conferences of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

<i>Good Rivals</i> American sport docuseries

Good Rivals is a three-part sports docuseries exploring the unique and intense rivalry between the Mexico and United States national men's soccer teams. Produced by Meadowlark Media in association with Ocellated Media, the series is distributed by Prime Video Sports and Skydance Sports. It premiered on Amazon Prime Video on November 24, 2022.

<i>The Ride</i> (TV series) 2023 American TV series or program

The Ride is an American television documentary series about professional bull riding. It premiered on Prime Video on May 30, 2023.

Shilo Deion Sanders is an American football safety for the Colorado Buffaloes. He previously played for the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Jackson State Tigers. Sanders is the older son of Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback and Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders.

Trevor Woods is an American football safety for the Colorado Buffaloes.

Robert Livingston is an American football coach and former player. He is currently the defensive coordinator for the Colorado Buffaloes. He was a football coach in the National Football League (NFL) from 2012 to 2023, as the safeties coach/secondary coach of the Cincinnati Bengals.

Blenders Eyewear is a US based eyewear brand headquartered in California, US.

References

  1. 1 2 Petski, Denise (2023-04-26). "'Coach Prime' Renewed For Season 2 By Prime Video Sports". Deadline. Retrieved 2023-09-02.
  2. Howell, Brian (May 14, 2024). "'Coach Prime' series renewed for third season". BuffZone.com. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
  3. 1 2 3 Schneider, Michael (15 December 2022). "Deion Sanders' 'Coach Prime' Receives Amazon Prime Video Premiere Date and Trailer". Variety. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
  4. 1 2 3 Li, Joyce (12 October 2022). "Watch the Teaser Clip for Amazon Prime's New College Football Docuseries on Coach Deion Sanders". Hypebeast. Retrieved 21 December 2022.
  5. 1 2 Daniels, Tim (11 October 2022). "Deion Sanders, Jackson State's Amazon Docuseries Trailer, Release Schedule Revealed". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 21 December 2022.
  6. Steinberg, Brian (3 February 2021). "Barstool Sports Tests Long-Form Programming With Deion Sanders Docuseries". Variety. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
  7. Grant, Shawn (14 February 2022). "'COACH PRIME' SET FOR FEB. 22 RETURN ON BARSTOOL". The Source. Retrieved 21 December 2022.
  8. "Deion Sanders' Amazon Prime series being shot on Colorado's campus". Sports Illustrated. Buffs Beat. August 21, 2023. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
  9. Jackson, Wilton (15 December 2022). "Trailer for Deion Sanders's Docuseries 'Coach Prime' Drops". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  10. Wells, Adam (15 December 2022). "'Coach Prime' Trailer Drops for Deion Sanders, JSU Football Docuseries by Prime Video". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 30 December 2022.