Nov 30, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders (right) talks with Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

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Deion Sanders calls Jerry Jones’ offer ‘truly delightful’ but stays loyal to Colorado—for now

Deion Sanders addresses Cowboys head coach rumors.

The Dallas Cowboys announced on Monday that Mike McCarthy would not return as head coach in 2025. Rumors about potential replacements began swirling almost immediately. Among the most talked-about names was Deion Sanders. The former Cowboys cornerback and current Colorado Buffaloes head coach confirmed speaking with Jerry Jones about the position.

“It’s truly delightful and intriguing to hear from Jerry Jones,” Sanders told ESPN. “I love Jerry and believe in Jerry. After you hang up and process it, it’s intriguing. But I love Boulder, our team, the coaches, the student body, and the community.”

Deion Sanders says coaching his sons is his only reason to consider the NFL

Sanders has repeatedly stated that coaching his sons, Shedeur and Shilo Sanders, would be the only circumstance that could draw him to the NFL. Speaking to Good Morning America, he said, “The only way I would consider, is to coach my sons. Not son. Sons.”

“To hear from Jerry Jones is truly delightful, and it’s intriguing,” Deion 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,… pic.twitter.com/OMossS9iOx
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 14, 2025

Shedeur, a quarterback, is among the top prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, while Shilo, a safety, is looking to improve his draft stock at the East-West Shrine Bowl. The Cowboys, holding the 12th overall pick, are unlikely to secure Shedeur. This limitation, paired with Sanders’ clear preference to coach both sons, complicates the possibility of him joining Dallas.

Financial hurdles and contract complications make this pairing unlikely

Sanders faces significant contractual and financial obstacles if he were to leave Colorado. His current contract includes an $8 million buyout. Meanwhile, the Cowboys’ quarterback situation poses another challenge.

Dak Prescott starts a four-year, $240 million extension in 2025. Trading Prescott would result in a $103.2 million dead cap hit, something Jerry Jones is known to avoid. This makes Sanders’ hiring a long shot, despite Jones’ interest.

Deion Sanders emphasizes commitment to Colorado but leaves room for intrigue

While Sanders confirmed speaking with Jerry Jones, he has consistently reiterated his dedication to the Colorado program. In November, he described his stance as having his “kickstand down” with the Buffaloes. Colorado defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, a close friend of Sanders, echoed this sentiment. “Deion and I talk weekly,” Zimmer said. “He’s told me many times he’s really happy at Colorado. He likes it there.”

Hear us out…

Mike McCarthy agrees to part ways with team.
Jerry Jones hires Deion Sanders.
Cowboys trade for #1 pick & draft Shedeur.
Dallas fans say this is our year. Cowboys miss playoffs.
— TPS (@TotalProSports) January 13, 2025

Sanders has also made significant strides at Colorado, turning the program around in just two seasons. Under his leadership, the Buffaloes improved from a 4-8 debut to a 9-4 record. Sanders also coached Travis Hunter, the Heisman Trophy-winning two-way player considered one of college football’s most talented athletes.

Jerry Jones keeps Deion Sanders in the conversation as Dallas searches for its next head coach

This isn’t the first time Sanders’ name has been linked to an NFL role. Earlier in the offseason, reports suggested he had interest in the Las Vegas Raiders’ head coach position. However, insiders quickly dispelled those rumors, stating the Raiders had no plans to hire him.

While Jones’ outreach adds intrigue to the Cowboys’ coaching search, Sanders’ conditions and current commitments suggest this scenario remains unlikely. Until Dallas makes a final decision, Sanders’ name will undoubtedly stay in the mix, but the odds of “Prime Time” leading the Cowboys next season seem slim.

(Image: Imagn Images)

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Natasha Bose

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