As the Dallas Cowboys begin their offseason search for a new head coach, franchise owner Jerry Jones has discussed the role with Colorado coach Deion Sanders, per a league source. While no interview has been scheduled, there is mutual interest in keeping the dialogue about the vacancy open, according to the source.
Sanders has previously stated that the only draw he would have away from Colorado and to the NFL would be to coach his sons, quarterback Shedeur and defensive back Shilo Sanders. Shedeur is expected to be a top pick in the draft, but the Cowboys are not considered a quarterback-needy team. They have the No. 12 selection in April’s draft and quarterback is Dak Prescott under contract through 2028.
Shilo is projected by The Athletic’s NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler to be a borderline draft pick.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Colorado HC Deion Sanders have discussed the coaching vacancy in Dallas, per source. There’s mutual interest in keeping the dialogue open. No interview has been scheduled. Very early in the process.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) January 14, 2025
Despite the departures of his sons and Heisman Award-winning star Travis Hunter, Sanders had indicated in recent weeks that he’s committed to Colorado for the long term. The program signed five-star quarterback Julian Lewis in December and later added Liberty transfer quarterback Kaidon Salter to its 2025 class.
“I have every intention, every plan in the world to be coaching for the Colorado Buffs from here on. I want to finish here. I want to put the flag — I want my name on the mountains out there,” Sanders said in December. “I want to put my flag down in Colorado.”
Jones announced earlier Monday that incumbent coach Mike McCarthy would not return to Dallas, concluding his five-year run with the franchise.
The Cowboys missed the playoffs in 2024 for the first time since 2020, their first season under McCarthy. The 61-year-old won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers in 2010 and went 49-35 in Dallas, winning the NFC East twice.
Sanders, 57, played for Jones and the Cowboys from 1995 to 1999, winning Super Bowl XXX with the team.
This story will be updated.
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