The Dallas Cowboys have started their search for a new head coach, but Deion Sanders has not officially entered the mix — at least not yet.
While Sanders’ name has been linked to the opening, his discussion with team owner Jerry Jones was informal. To date, Sanders has not scheduled or participated in an official interview with the Cowboys.
Meanwhile, Dallas has already interviewed former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh and Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport remains skeptical about Sanders’ candidacy, suggesting he might not even interview for the role.
“Let’s talk about Deion,” Rapoport said on Saturday. “Deion has had some conversations with Jerry Jones. My understanding is that there is some sort of mutual interest here. Here is where it stands, understanding it’s Jerry Jones and literally anything crazy can happen — there has been no interview with Deion Sanders and the Cowboys. From what I’m told, there is not one scheduled. I’d be surprised if an interview ever happens — not saying impossible — but I’d be surprised. Deion is still in contract negotiations with Colorado to potentially get a big-time extension there. A lot going on with Deion.”
Mutual Interest Between Cowboys, Deion Sanders
As Rapoport noted, there is mutual interest between Sanders and his former team. Sanders, who played for the Cowboys from 1995 to 1999, was instrumental in their Super Bowl XXX victory.
“To hear from Jerry Jones is truly delightful, and it’s intriguing,” 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, the coaches, our student body, and the community.”
Veteran Cowboys reporter Ed Werder added that Sanders would likely accept the job if offered, noting that Jones is warming to the idea.
“Regarding Deion Sanders: I’m being told that he would almost certainly accept if Jerry Jones offers to make him the next Cowboys head coach, that those around him are encouraging him to pursue it and that Jones is enamored with the idea,” Werder wrote on X.
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Deion Sanders Likely Couldn’t Coach Sons on Cowboys
Sanders has previously entertained the idea of coaching in the NFL but emphasized the importance of having the opportunity to coach his sons, Shilo and Shedeur.
“The only way I would consider [coaching in the NFL] is to coach my sons,” Sanders said on Good Morning America.
That scenario seems unlikely in Dallas. The Cowboys hold the No. 12 pick in the upcoming draft, well outside the range where Shedeur Sanders, a highly rated quarterback prospect, is expected to be selected.
Additionally, Dallas already has a franchise quarterback in Dak Prescott, who signed a record-breaking four-year extension before the season. While the Cowboys could consider trading Prescott to move up in the draft, the logistics of such a move are complicated. Prescott would need to waive his no-trade clause, and the team would face significant dead cap charges.
