The Dallas Cowboys have begun the search for a new head coach, and owner Jerry Jones has reportedly discussed the role with former cornerback and current Colorado Head Coach Deion Sanders.
Dallas announced on Monday that the franchise would be parting ways with former Head Coach Mike McCarthy after five seasons, allowing the franchise to pursue other options for the role next season.
News about the Cowboys pursuing Sanders surfaced quickly, as Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports reported on Monday that Jones has “spoken with Colorado HC Deion Sanders about the team’s head coaching vacancy.” Schultz further stated, “Discussions are expected to continue regarding the possibility of him becoming the next head coach in Dallas.”
“Coach Prime is considered a top candidate, though the Cowboys plan to interview other candidates as part of the process, per team sources.”
Sanders has a strong rapport with leadership in the franchise after spending five seasons with the Cowboys and helping the team win a Super Bowl in 1995 en route to a Hall of Fame career.
Sanders spent the last two seasons of his career as the head coach at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he helped lead the Buffaloes to a 9-4 record in 2024.
Sanders responded to the rumors that he could become the next Cowboys head coach, stating, “To hear from Jerry Jones is truly delightful, and it’s intriguing.”
“I love Jerry and believe in Jerry. After you hang up, and process it, and think about it, it’s intriguing. But I love Boulder and everything there is about our team, the coaches, our student body and the community,” he added, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
While this statement reflects Sanders’ feelings for Boulder, he was vague about whether he would accept a potential interview with the Cowboys for the head coach position.
Sanders signed a five-year contract worth $29.5 million with Colorado when he accepted the role in 2022, and he has stated multiple times since then that he does not plan to transition into the NFL, per ESPN.
However, Sanders’ opinions on this transition have seemingly softened over the last year.
In November, the Hall of Fame cornerback said he’s “got a kickstand down” and did not plan to move on from Colorado.
“It means I’m resting. I’m good. I’m happy. I’m excited. I’m enthusiastic about where I am. I love it here. Truly do. Next question,” he added, per NBC Sports.
Less than two months later, Sanders began to entertain the idea of coaching his sons, quarterback Shadeur Sanders and safety Shilo Sanders, in the NFL if a team were to select both players in the upcoming NFL Draft.
“The only way I would consider [coaching in the NFL] is to coach my sons,” he said, per Fox Sports.
These comments do not guarantee that Sanders would choose to move on from Colorado for a role as the Cowboys’ head coach, but his willingness to discuss the opportunity could allow the franchise a chance to convince him.
Dallas will likely spend the coming weeks interviewing multiple candidates for the role, with the expectation that discussions between Sanders and America’s Team will continue.