Rumors linking Deion Sanders to the Dallas Cowboys coaching job have picked up steam in recent weeks.
In many ways, the speculation is 100% understandable (and predictable).
After all, the Cowboys are the most disappointing team in the entire NFL and it’s a virtually certainty that head coach Mike McCarthy will be a goner after the season.
Meanwhile, being the Dallas legend that he is, Sanders is getting plenty of love and attention when it comes to figuring out who McCarthy’s successor will be.
However, Sanders himself has dismissed the chatter. He has stated numerous times that he is more than happy coaching the Colorado Buffaloes at the college level.
Sanders has also indicated that he wouldn’t have the patience to coach in the NFL, knowing all of the egos that are involved.
Interestingly, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has broken his silence on the topic.
Speaking to The Athletic, Jones offered high praise for his former star player while tempering expectations about a potential NFL coaching future.
“I think we’re way ahead of ourselves relative to when and if he decides to go into coaching in the NFL,” Jones said.
“One of his greatest skills, that he really brings to college, is that he almost has no fear as far as being a recruiter. Kids want to come play for him. And he has a way of selling that.”
Jones’ comments highlight Sanders’ transformative impact as a college coach.
The Hall-of-Fame cornerback, who won Defensive Player of the Year honors during his playing career, has brought star power and recruiting savvy to the programs he’s led.
When Sanders took the helm at Jackson State University, he made waves by convincing Travis Hunter – the nation’s No. 1 recruit at the time – to flip his commitment from Florida State (ironically Sanders’ alma mater) to join him at Jackson State.
Later, when Sanders transitioned to Colorado, Hunter followed, underscoring the coach’s ability to inspire loyalty and attract top-tier talent.
Now, as football fans are well aware, Hunter stands as the current favorite to win the Heisman Trophy.
In his second season with Colorado, Sanders has propelled the Buffs into national conversations.
After a rough first season in Boulder, Sanders, with the help of his quarterback son, Shedeur, has the team hunting for an improbable playoff spot.
Adding further intrigue, Jones made sure to point out that Sanders’ recruiting skills are something that could translate to the NFL level.
“That is one skill, that recruiting skill, that is not a huge prerequisite for NFL coaches. One of his greatest values is in that area of putting the team together and getting great talent to come play for him there at Colorado,” Jones said.
“All of that would go into your mind. But make no mistake about it, he’s one of the top people, young and old, that I’ve been around in the NFL.”
Despite Jones’ admiration, it remains unlikely that Sanders will jump to the NFL in the immediate future.
Sanders is doing his best to downplay any and all speculation that he’s going to leave Colorado after this season.
Just yesterday, Sanders managed to land a commitment from five-star quarterback Julian Lewis.
Perhaps Lewis just enjoys the beautiful Boulder landscape. But if we’re being realistic, it’s hard to see him committing to Colorado without knowing for sure that Sanders is staying as head coach.
Having said all of that, it would be foolish to think that the idea of coaching the Cowboys hasn’t crossed Sanders’ mind.
While taking over for McCarthy seems unlikely, there certainly could be a day in the not-so-distant future where Sanders does make the leap to the NFL.
What are your thoughts on the whole situation???
