Todd Archer, ESPN writer
FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys are in the early stages of searching for Mike McCarthy’s successor as head coach, but one name is already known: former Cowboys linebacker and current Colorado coach Deion Sanders.
A source said Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones and Sanders spoke on Monday, and while no interview has been scheduled, the two are expected to continue the dialogue. Fox Sports was the first to report on the two sides’ conversation.
Sanders has been linked to a job with the Cowboys that was not yet open in the fall.
“Listening to Jerry Jones is truly delightful and intriguing,” Sanders told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday night. “I love Jerry and I believe in Jerry. When you disconnect and analyze it and think, this is intriguing. But I love Boulder and everything about our team, our coaches, our students and our community.”
Sanders just finished his second season in Colorado, where he posted a 13-12 record, including a 9-4 mark in 2024, during which the Buffaloes had a Heisman Trophy winner at the wide receiver/cornerback position Travis Hunter.
In November, Sanders was asked about potential interest from NFL teams.
“I’m happy where I’m at, man,” Sanders said. “I have my kickstand down. Do you know what a kickstand is?… It means I’m resting. I feel good, I’m happy, I’m excited. I’m enthusiastic about where I am. I like it here, I really do.”
Sanders received a five-year, $29.5 million contract when he was hired by Colorado in late 2022 after a successful career in Jackson’s condition.
Sanders played five seasons of his Hall of Fame career for the Cowboys, helping the team win Super Bowl XXX in 1996 against Pittsburgh Steelers. After retiring from the sport, he remained in North Texas and maintains a close relationship with the Jones family.
Under the NFL’s Rooney Rule, teams must interview two outside minority head coaching candidates during their search.
The Cowboys announced Monday that they and McCarthy were parting ways after five seasons. McCarthy posted a 49-35 regular season record, including 7-10 this season.
Rules prohibit scheduling any interviews, but McCarthy is expected to interview with Chicago Bears According to many sources, already on Wednesday. The New Orleans Saints they are also scheduled to interview McCarthy.
