The speculation surrounding Deion Sanders and the Dallas Cowboys’ head coaching job has taken another intriguing turn. Sanders, currently the head coach at the University of Colorado, has confirmed he spoke with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones regarding the NFL coaching position, adding fuel to ongoing rumors about his potential jump to the professional level.
While Sanders is still firmly at the helm of the Colorado Buffaloes, where he led the team to an impressive 9-4 record in the 2024 season (7-2 in conference play), new developments have emerged that complicate the situation. According to Jane Slater of the NFL Network, Sanders recently requested additional NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) and staffing resources from Colorado Athletic Director Rick George, but his request reportedly met resistance.
“Two people with knowledge of the situation tell me Sanders approached Colorado AD Rick George Tuesday about additional money for NIL and his staff,” Slater reported on X. “He was met with resistance. The University of Colorado would neither confirm nor deny the information when I reached out. Deion Sanders didn’t respond when reached multiple times for comment.”
This potential conflict with Colorado has added a new dimension to the rumors linking Sanders to the Cowboys. While WFAA’s Ed Werder reported that Sanders “would almost certainly accept” the Cowboys’ head coaching job if offered, others are skeptical about the seriousness of this connection. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini recently downplayed the idea during an appearance on “The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz,” calling it “all smoke.”
Russini elaborated, saying, “Everyone’s kind of wink-winking this thing. I don’t think the Dallas Cowboys had a plan. I think they felt this would work out with Mike McCarthy. Mike McCarthy’s like, ‘Nah, I’m good. This isn’t what I want in terms of a contract.’ He walks. Jerry [Jones]’s left going, ‘Alright, I gotta go find a head coach.’”
For his part, Sanders has expressed his love for the University of Colorado and the community in Boulder. However, his comments about the Cowboys’ interest have been described as noncommittal. He called the call from Jerry Jones “intriguing,” but stopped short of denying any interest in the job.
Sanders’ leadership has reinvigorated the Colorado football program, with his magnetic personality, NFL experience, and ability to attract top talent through the transfer portal and NIL opportunities. However, his apparent frustrations with Colorado’s support for NIL initiatives could push him to explore other options.
As of now, it remains unclear whether Sanders is seriously considering leaving Boulder for Dallas or if the rumors are just that—rumors. Regardless, the situation has stirred excitement and speculation in both college football and NFL circles.
Stay tuned to our website as we continue to provide up-to-date coverage and in-depth analysis of this developing story.