Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones is exploring options for a new head coach following the departure of Mike McCarthy, with former Cowboys star Deion Sanders being a key figure in these discussions. According to CBS Sports’ NFL insider Jonathan Jones, while no formal interview has been scheduled, Jones has reached out to Sanders, who is currently serving as the head coach at the University of Colorado.
In a statement, Sanders expressed excitement about the prospect of talking to Jones, stating, “To hear from Jerry Jones is truly delightful, and it’s intriguing. I love Jerry and believe in Jerry.” However, he emphasized his commitment to his current program and the Boulder community, noting that he feels fulfilled in his current role.
During his tenure with the Cowboys from 1995 to 1999, Sanders was a part of the last Super Bowl-winning team and achieved both Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in four of those five years. His close connections within the organization include Mike Zimmer, Dallas’ current defensive coordinator, who served as Sanders’ defensive backs coach during his playing days. Zimmer had previously indicated that Sanders is content at Colorado and unlikely to pursue an NFL position.
Despite the intriguing possibility, Sanders has made it clear that he would only consider an NFL coaching position if it involved mentoring his sons, Shedeur and Shilo Sanders. Shedeur is making waves as a top prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft, making the prospect of Sanders coaching the Cowboys complicated given Dallas’ draft positioning.
Jones faces challenges with the salary cap as well, particularly with quarterback Dak Prescott starting a significant contract extension in 2025. Trading Prescott would lead to a hefty dead cap hit, a situation Jones prefers to avoid. While having a conversation with Sanders may be beneficial, the likelihood of “Prime Time” stepping into the Cowboys’ coaching role appears slim.
This situation underscores the complexities of NFL coaching decisions, especially when personal aspirations are in play. Fans can keep hope that the Cowboys will make a strategic hire that invigorates the franchise’s rich history while considering the next wave of talent in the NFL.