Deion Sanders Emerges as Potential Candidate for Dallas Cowboys Head Coach

DALLAS, Texas — Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, currently the head coach at the University of Colorado, has emerged as a potential candidate for the Dallas Cowboys‘ vacant head coaching position, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. The Cowboys parted ways with Mike McCarthy earlier this week, sparking immediate speculation about Sanders’ interest in the role.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones confirmed McCarthy’s departure in a statement, adding that the search for a new head coach would begin “immediately.” While no formal interview has been scheduled, Rapoport reported that Sanders has expressed interest in the opening, and the Cowboys have reciprocated with “at least some interest.” Sanders, a former Cowboys player, has maintained a relationship with Jones for years.

Sanders, widely regarded as one of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history, played for the Cowboys from 1995 to 1999, winning Super Bowl XXX in his first season with the team. His NFL career spanned 14 seasons, during which he earned eight Pro Bowl selections and won a second Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers.

Since transitioning to coaching, Sanders has made waves in the college football world. He led Jackson State University from 2020 to 2022 before taking over at Colorado in 2023. Under his leadership, the Buffaloes improved to a 9-4 record in 2024, capped by an Alamo Bowl appearance. Sanders also mentored standout players like Travis Hunter and his son, Shedeur Sanders, both projected as first-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Despite his success at the collegiate level, Sanders has no prior NFL coaching experience. However, his deep ties to the Cowboys and his reputation as a transformative leader have fueled speculation about his potential fit in Dallas. “Coach Prime” has also been linked to other NFL openings, including the Las Vegas Raiders, but his connection to the Cowboys appears particularly strong.

One potential hurdle is Sanders’ contract with Colorado, which includes an $8 million buyout as of Jan. 1, 2025. This figure dropped from $10 million at the start of the year and will continue to decrease annually. Sanders signed a five-year, $29.5 million deal with Colorado in 2023, earning $5.7 million in 2024.

If Sanders were to join the Cowboys, his salary would likely exceed the $8 million per year McCarthy earned under his previous contract. The Cowboys’ decision to move on from McCarthy after a 12-5 season and a playoff exit has raised expectations for their next hire.

For now, Sanders remains focused on Colorado, but the possibility of a return to Dallas has ignited excitement among fans and analysts alike. As the Cowboys’ coaching search unfolds, all eyes will be on whether “Prime Time” makes his NFL coaching debut in the city where he once starred.