The rumors surrounding Deion Sanders’ potential takeover as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys have sparked widespread debate, with some labeling the speculation a strategic move. Jason Whitlock, a frequent critic of Coach Prime, added fuel to the fire on his “Fearless” podcast, calling the situation a “gimmick.”
Jason Whitlock Believes Deion Sanders Is Using Cowboys To Get Paid More
Whitlock, who always has Sanders in his crosshairs, gave his opinion on the whole situation.
Speaking on his “Fearless” podcast, Whitlock said, “I wanna walk you through Deion Sanders’ history so that you can better understand what Deion Sanders is doing with the Dallas Cowboys. I’ve listened to very informed people in Dallas who feel like they have a hand on this and that this is a gimmick.
“This is just Deion trying to stir up leverage with his athletic director at Colorado so that he can get paid even more money. People, no chance Jerry Jones hires Deion Sanders. It’s not going to happen… This is just a gimmick. The Cowboys are a mess. Jerry doesn’t wanna hire someone inexperienced. It’s all a gimmick,” Whitlock added.
The speculation took off after Jones reportedly contacted Sanders following Mike McCarthy’s departure.
The Hall of Famer and former Cowboys star acknowledged the call, telling ESPN’s Adam Schefter, “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.”
In his two-year tenure at Colorado, the 57-year-old has taken the Buffaloes from a 4-8 record in 2023 to a 9-4 finish in 2024. His success has also brought out talents like Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and his son, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who’s projected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Sanders’ coaching résumé, while impressive at the college level, features just five years of experience. While the skepticism is not unfounded, Sanders’ connection to Dallas runs deep. He spent five seasons with the Cowboys during his Hall of Fame career, winning Super Bowl XXX in 1996.
His charisma and track record for motivating young players make him an intriguing candidate. However, any deal with Dallas would require a hefty buyout of Sanders’ Colorado contract, which includes an $8 million clause.
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Sanders appears focused on Boulder for now, though he’s left the door open to an NFL future. Recently, he hinted that coaching his sons at the professional level might sway him. “The only way I would consider [it] is to coach my sons,” Sanders stated on “Good Morning America.”
You never know; with Shedeur and Hunter entering the 2025 NFL Draft, the timing could align. If Coach Prime doesn’t join Dallas, other candidates like Kellen Moore, Kliff Kingsbury, and Ben Johnson remain in the mix.