Deion Sanders, the iconic NFL Hall of Famer and current head coach at the University of Colorado, has found himself at the center of speculation regarding a potential return to the NFL-this time as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. The possibility was first raised in October 2023 when an NFL general manager reportedly told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Sanders was the favorite for the job.
“A GM in the league called me,” Schefter told The Pat McAfee Show. “He said: ‘Get out your pen and paper and write this down. Deion Sanders is going to be the next head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.'”
Early conversations and mutual interest
Reports indicate that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has already spoken with Sanders about the head coaching role, with discussions expected to continue. According to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, while no formal interview has taken place, there is “mutual interest” between the two parties.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport also reported that Sanders has expressed “some interest” in the role and that the Cowboys view him as a serious candidate.
However, Sanders himself seems torn. When asked about the possibility, he acknowledged his conversation with Jones but expressed his love for his current position in Colorado, where he has made significant strides with the Buffaloes.
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“I love Colorado, I love my Buffaloes, I love everything that we’re building,” Sanders told Good Morning America.
Still, he left the door slightly ajar, saying he would only consider an NFL role if he could coach both of his sons, quarterback Shedeur Sanders and defensive back Shilo Sanders.
Sanders’ reputation as a transformative leader precedes him. After turning Jackson State into an HBCU football powerhouse from 2020 to 2022, he took over a struggling Colorado program in 2023 and quickly engineered a dramatic turnaround.
His success at both programs, combined with his NFL pedigree and charisma, makes him a compelling candidate for an NFL head coaching role.
Sanders is also deeply connected to the Dallas Cowboys. During his playing career, “Prime Time” starred for the team from 1995 to 1999, helping them secure a Super Bowl victory in 1996.