Deion Sanders confirmed to ESPN that he spoke with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones about their head-coaching vacancy and called it an “intriguing” scenario Monday night.
“To hear from Jerry Jones is truly delightful, and it’s intriguing,” Sanders, Colorado’s head coach, told ESPN. “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, the coaches, our student body and the community.”
Sanders’ comment to ESPN followed a report earlier in the night that he and Jones talked about the job, which officially opened Monday after Mike McCarthy and Dallas parted ways just before the longtime coach was set to become a free agent — and other teams, including the Saints and the Bears, could pounce.
But with the hiring cycle already underway and teams already completing interviews with top coordinators before the divisional round of the playoffs begin, the Cowboys are behind the other six teams — the Jets, Bears, Saints, Raiders and Jaguars — still with openings.
Previously, despite rumors and speculation that he could bolt to the NFL, Sanders remained committed to a Colorado program he revived after taking over in 2023.
He said last week that the only scenario he’d leave for is the chance to coach both of his sons.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that Sanders had “very strong interest” in the Raiders’ opening, but The Athletic later added that the team had “zero interest” in pursuing him to become their Antonio Pierce replacement.
During Sanders’ two years leading the Buffaloes, they have gone 13-12 and earned a spot in the Alamo Bowl this season.
Sanders’ youngest son, Shedeur, starred as their quarterback and is expected to become one of the top picks in April’s NFL draft, too.
During his lengthy playing career that eventually led to the Hall of Fame, Sanders spent five seasons — and earned one of his two Super Bowl titles — as a Cowboys defensive back and receiver.
And until the Cowboys officially hire their next coach, the Sanders variable will continue to loom — especially after Monday’s phone call with Jones.
