Deion Sanders had discussions with Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones about the team’s head coaching vacancy, but ultimately, it wasn’t the right fit for one major reason.
Following the dismissal of Mike McCarthy, Sanders emerged as a potential candidate for the job. He spoke with Jones, fueling speculation about a possible departure from Colorado to lead the Cowboys. However, Sanders never formally interviewed and remains committed to coaching the Buffaloes.
At the NFL Honors ceremony on Thursday, Sanders shared a moment with Jones and revealed the primary reason why he declined the opportunity.
“I’m not going to coach without my son. And they have a huge investment in their quarterback. They knew that,” Sanders told Kayla Nicole of the I AM ATHLETE podcast. “I’m not stepping up to that level without my baby.”
Sanders was referring to Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who signed a record-breaking four-year, $240 million contract extension in September. Given Dallas’ financial commitment to Prescott, parting ways with him wouldn’t have been a realistic option.
Additionally, the Cowboys likely wouldn’t have been able to draft Sanders’ son, Shedeur, in the upcoming NFL Draft. Shedeur is projected to be an early first-round pick, while Dallas holds the No. 12 selection.
Jerry Jones Still a Strong Supporter of Deion Sanders
Despite the decision, Jones remains a big fan of Sanders and spoke highly of him when addressing the rumors.
“It’s not a question of why not Deion. I’m officially one of the top people in his corner, both as a coach and just as a person. Deion has almost a magical effect on young athletes. It’s not only because he was such a great athlete; it’s how he approaches his gift,” Jones said. “Deion is talking most of the time to gifted athletes. So if you want to be the expert in the world on how to take God’s gifts and turn them into special, prime time, you’re talking to the coach.”
Jones also emphasized that the Cowboys are in win-now mode, pointing to their commitment to Prescott as proof.
“I wouldn’t have signed Dak Prescott, the highest-paid player in the NFL, if now wasn’t when we wanted to win,” Jones told The Athletic’s Dianna Russini. “This is a shocker, to be here at this Super Bowl, and not have the Cowboys here. I didn’t plan on that when I made that agreement.
“So we’re going to do everything we can to get there… I know what it takes to get there, and we’ll do those things.”
Cowboys Move Forward With Brian Schottenheimer
With Sanders out of the mix, the Cowboys ultimately hired Brian Schottenheimer as their next head coach. The team also interviewed Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, former Jets head coach Robert Saleh, and Seahawks assistant head coach Leslie Frazier.
“We’re not building for the future here. Brian’s hiring was not a future get a coach and get him ready to play. That’s not what that was. This is a hit-the-ground-running [hire],” Jones said. “This gave us the best way to get our players that we’ve got right now and look at the future to get the benefit of a new coach and the enthusiasm that goes with it.”
Schottenheimer has been with the Cowboys for the past three seasons, spending two years as offensive coordinator. While he brings decades of experience, this will be his first opportunity as a head coach.
