The buzz surrounding Deion Sanders stepping into the Dallas Cowboys’ head coaching role has reached new heights. The Cowboys announced the departure of Mike McCarthy on Tuesday, and owner/GM Jerry Jones is in search of a new leader for “America’s Team,” and that is where Coach Prime comes in.
Deion Sanders to the Cowboys Is Not a Fad, Per Jordan Schultz
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Sanders is a serious contender. “It’s been made clear to me in no uncertain terms that should Deion want to pursue the job, should Deion have interest in the job, that he would be at or near the top of the list,” Schultz shared on “The Dan LeBatard Show with Stugotz.”
How real are the Deion Sanders Cowboys coaching rumors?
"It's been made clear to me in no uncertain terms that should Deion want to pursue the job, should he have interest in the job, that he would be at or near the top of the list." @Schultz_Report shares more of his… pic.twitter.com/7vWgGho1eY
— Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz (@LeBatardShow) January 15, 2025
Sanders, a Hall of Famer and former Cowboys cornerback, confirmed he has spoken with Jones about the position but remains committed to his current role.
“To hear from Jerry Jones is truly delightful, and it’s intriguing,” Sanders told ESPN. “But I love Boulder, our team, the coaches, our student body, and the community.”
“To hear from Jerry Jones is truly delightful, and it’s intriguing,” Deion Sanders told ESPN on Monday night. “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,… pic.twitter.com/OMossS9iOx
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 14, 2025
Despite his clear stance for over two months now, Sanders’ success with the Colorado Buffaloes has made him a prime candidate for one of the NFL’s most coveted jobs. In just two years in Colorado, Sanders orchestrated a remarkable turnaround.
The Buffaloes improved from a 1-11 season in 2022 to a 4-8 record in 2023 and eventually a 9-4 finish in 2024, including an Alamo Bowl appearance against the BYU Cougars.
The 57-year-old’s ability to recruit and develop talent has turned heads in the NFL, though Jones acknowledges that recruiting isn’t as critical at the pro level.
Sanders’ coaching career began at Jackson State University, where he posted back-to-back double-digit win seasons in 2021 and 2022. His reputation as a winner and motivator is undeniable. Pro Football Hall of Famer Champ Bailey, who once played alongside Sanders, praised him, saying, “Anybody who gets him would be lucky to have him. He’s a winner.”
The Cowboys’ interest in Sanders is fueled by more than nostalgia. His larger-than-life personality and proven leadership align with Jones’ requirements to maintain the franchise’s bold image.
However, securing Sanders would come at a steep price, including an $8 million buyout from his Colorado contract. And we all know how that conversation will go with Jones, who’s made a name for himself for not dishing out money.
While Jones and Sanders shared a conversation, no interview has been scheduled, leaving fans to wonder if Coach Prime will make the leap to the NFL. If Sanders declines, other candidates like Kellen Moore and Kliff Kingsbury remain in contention.