Deion Sanders has achieved remarkable success at Colorado, turning the Buffaloes’ program around in just two seasons. After a dismal 1-11 record in 2022, Sanders led the team to a 9-4 record in 2023, securing a spot in the Alamo Bowl against BYU. His performance at Colorado follows his successful stint at Jackson State, where he built a competitive team. Given these accomplishments, rumors have emerged linking Sanders to the Dallas Cowboys head coach position, especially after the team parted ways with Mike McCarthy.
Reports have suggested that Sanders has already had conversations with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who is well acquainted with Sanders, having owned the team during Sanders’ time as a player from 1995-1999. These rumors have gained traction in recent days, prompting Sanders to address the speculation. He acknowledged that while his discussions with Jones were intriguing, he is committed to his role at Colorado, where he is under contract through 2027 for a five-year, $29.5 million deal.
Sanders expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to speak with Jerry Jones but reiterated his deep affection for Colorado and its community. “To hear from Jerry Jones is truly delightful, and it’s intriguing,” Sanders said. He emphasized that he enjoys his current situation, highlighting the strong relationships he has with the coaches, players, and the university. Sanders made it clear that, despite the enticing possibility of an NFL job, Boulder remains a place he cherishes.
While Sanders has made a name for himself in college football, there is growing speculation that he might eventually make the leap to the NFL. His success at both Jackson State and Colorado, combined with the potential to work with his sons, could make this the right time for him to transition. Shedeur Sanders, Deion’s son, was a Heisman finalist in 2023 and is expected to be one of the top picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, which could influence Sanders’ decision.
There is also the possibility that if Sanders took over as the Cowboys’ head coach, he could help shape the future of the franchise by drafting Shedeur as their quarterback. Additionally, Travis Hunter, another standout player who developed under Sanders’ tutelage, is likely to be a high draft pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. The prospect of a reunion with his proteges in the NFL is an alluring factor for Sanders, though he has not made any definitive statements about making the move just yet.
Sanders’ coaching record is impressive, with a career mark of 40-18 over five seasons. At Jackson State, he led the team to back-to-back Celebration Bowl appearances, finishing with an 11-2 record in 2021 and 12-1 in 2022. His success at both Jackson State and Colorado has cemented his reputation as a transformative figure in college football, capable of reviving struggling programs and leading them to prominence.
Before his coaching career, Sanders was a legendary player, both in college and the NFL. He was a standout at Florida State from 1985-1988, earning numerous accolades and becoming one of the program’s most storied players. Sanders went on to have a successful NFL career, playing for several teams, including the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, and Baltimore Ravens. He won two Super Bowls and was named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 1994.
In addition to his football career, Sanders also made history in Major League Baseball, playing for teams like the New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, and San Francisco Giants. He remains the only athlete to play in both a Super Bowl and a World Series in the same year. His No. 2 jersey is retired by Florida State, marking his legacy in both football and baseball.
