The Dallas Cowboys have a high-profile name as an early candidate for their vacant head coaching job.
Per Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has spoken to Colorado head coach Deion Sanders about the vacancy, and those conversations are “expected to continue regarding the possibility of him becoming the next head coach in Dallas.”
Schultz noted that while Sanders and the Cowboys haven’t had a formal interview, “there is mutual interest.”
According to Schultz, Sanders is “considered a top candidate” but Dallas will go through the process of interviewing other candidates.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport also reported that Sanders has “some interest” in the job and the Cowboys “have at least some interest, as well.”
Sanders told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that hearing from Jones was “delightful” and “intriguing” but made no indication that he plans to leave Colorado.
“To hear from Jerry Jones is truly delightful, and it’s intriguing,” Sanders said. “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.”
Jones announced Monday that former coach Mike McCarthy would not return as head coach next season. McCarthy’s contract expired last week, but he was in an exclusive negotiating window with the Cowboys until Tuesday at midnight.
Sanders has never held an NFL coaching job but has found success at the collegiate level. He led Jackson State to a 27-6 record with a pair of SWAC titles during his three years with the team before taking over at Colorado last year.
He inherited a Colorado team that went 1-11 the season before his arrival. The Buffaloes improved slightly in his first year at the helm, finishing 4-8, but took a major leap in 2024. Colorado finished 9-4 this season and was an upset loss to Kansas away from competing for a Big 12 title and perhaps punching a ticket to the College Football Playoff.
Sanders’ second year also saw two-way star Travis Hunter win the Heisman Trophy, making him the second player in Buffaloes history to take home the coveted award.
Now Sanders could have a difficult choice to make if he’s offered the job in Dallas. He could have the chance to lead his former team back to glory, but it would come at the cost of having to leave behind what he has built in Boulder.
Even if Sanders is offered the job, his recent comments would leave fans to believe he has no interest in it. Just last week during an appearance on Good Morning America, Sanders said it would take unique circumstances to draw him to the NFL.
“The only way I would consider is to coach my sons. Not son. Sons,” Sanders said. “I love Colorado, I love my Buffaloes, I love everything that we’re building, I love everything that we’re doing and I love Boulder, Colorado.”
The odds of a team having both of his sons are pretty unrealistic, but there is a world where the Cowboys could at least get star quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Shedeur, who had an outstanding collegiate career and is now preparing for the NFL draft, is more than likely going to be one of the first quarterbacks off the board, meaning Dallas, which has the No. 12 pick, would likely have to trade up to draft him.
If the Cowboys are serious about getting Sanders to the Cowboys, figuring out a way to get Sheduer to Dallas could be their best selling point.
