The Deion Sanders-Dallas Cowboys rumor is making more noise than the football world expected because of Coach Prime’s outspoken commitment to the Colorado Buffaloes. Nonetheless, as Cowboys owner Jerry Jones continues his head coaching search, Sanders’ name refuses to fade.
Former Bengals Star Believes Deion Sanders Will Prove To Be Jerry Jones’ ‘Worst Decision’
While Coach Prime has captivated fans with his success at Colorado and his charismatic persona, not everyone believes he’s the right fit for Jones’ Cowboys. Former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson, formerly Chad Ochocinco, shared his doubts about the potential pairing, claiming it could create friction at the top.
Jerry Jones is all talk 🙄@ShannonSharpe @ochocinco @ShayShayMedia_ pic.twitter.com/96rbdBhWhf
— Nightcap (@NightcapShow_) January 24, 2025
Speaking on the “Nightcap” podcast, the 47-year-old former Cincinnati Bengals athlete said, “Jerry signing Prime would be the worst decision he could make. Not allowing Prime to have full control of everything, allowing him to pick his staff and be the coach he needs to be.”
“Jerry also wants to be the center of attention when that’s not going to happen once Deion Sanders walks through that building. The limelight, the attention is all going to go to him. I think Jerry is going to resent that. I don’t like Prime being there as a Cowboy even though he played for the Cowboys,” Johnson added.
His remarks tap into the ongoing narrative of whether Jones would be willing to loosen control over Sanders, a coach who wants his own methodology to work, which has shown results first at Jackson State and then at Colorado. Sanders took a 1-11 program in 2022 and transformed it into a 9-3 school in 2024, calling all the shots from transfer portal strategies to navigating the complex world of Name, Image, and Likeness deals.
He’s consistently expressed his love for Boulder, Colo., in the past two months but hasn’t entirely ruled out a move to the NFL. “I’m a leader and a father,” Sanders said on “We Got Time Today.”
“I’ll never follow my sons. I ain’t no baby daddy—I’m a FATHER.”
“And I was just looking at the snow covered mountains… and I was just thinking to myself, “wow, God. You did that”… like to relinquish this??”
I can’t wait to see how the rest of this story unfolds. pic.twitter.com/qciG09ozk7
— Matt H. (@SKOBUFFS22) January 23, 2025
With his two sons, Shedeur Sanders and Shilo Sanders, and 2024 Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter entering the 2025 NFL Draft, many speculate Coach Prime could follow.
However, NFL insider Adam Schefter poured cold water on the idea, stating on ESPN’s “Get Up” that the Cowboys have shifted focus to other candidates like Brian Schottenheimer. “Things have quieted. Jerry Jones knows Deion Sanders is always there, but the team seems more interested in other options,” Schefter said.
Another ESPN analyst, Robert Griffin III, believes Dallas should go all in on Sanders. While the Buffs HC remains a long shot, his name continues to dominate the conversation.