If Jerry Jones is considering making a bold move by hiring Colorado’s Deion Sanders as the next head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, he’ll need to prepare his wallet. The financial implications of such a decision are significant, as not only would Jones need to offer a lucrative contract for an NFL head coach, but he would also have to manage an $8 million buyout for Sanders from the Buffaloes.
Buyout and financial implications
The prospect of paying an $8 million buyout is daunting, and ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter expressed skepticism about whether Jones would be eager to foot that bill. “If Jerry wants to take a big swing and go for Deion, go pay the buyout — which again, I don’t think he’d be thrilled about doing — there are ways to navigate that,” Schefter remarked on The Pat McAfee Show. He suggested that perhaps a partnership with Netflix could alleviate some of the financial burden, although it’s clear that the buyout is not a trivial matter.
Interestingly, this buyout figure has decreased significantly over time. When Sanders first took the helm in Boulder, his buyout stood at $15 million. It then dropped to $10 million at the start of 2024 and has now settled at $8 million as of January 1. This reduction might make the prospect of hiring Sanders slightly more palatable for Jones.
Is Sanders ready for the jump?
The central question remains: is Sanders ready to make the leap to the NFL? After all, he spent five seasons with the Cowboys, culminating in a Super Bowl victory in 1995. Former ESPN reporter Ed Werder believes that Sanders “would almost certainly accept” an offer from Jones if it were extended. “Regarding Deion Sanders: I’m being told that he would almost certainly accept if Jerry Jones offers to make him the next Cowboys head coach,” Werder tweeted. This sentiment indicates a strong interest from Sanders’ camp in pursuing the opportunity.
For his part, Sanders has shown some intrigue in the idea of coaching the Cowboys. In a recent conversation with Schefter, he expressed appreciation for hearing from Jones. “To hear from Jerry Jones is truly delightful, and it’s intriguing,” Sanders said. However, he also reiterated his commitment to Boulder, emphasizing his love for the team, the coaches, the student body, and the community.
Sanders’ coaching success in Boulder
Sanders, 57, has made a significant impact at Colorado, transforming the program from a disappointing 4-8 record in 2023 to a commendable 9-4 in 2024. His leadership has not only improved the team’s performance but has also attracted top talent, including Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and his son, standout quarterback Shedeur Sanders. This impressive turnaround raises the question: why would Sanders want to leave a flourishing program for the uncertainties of the NFL?
As the Cowboys search for their next head coach, they have lined up interviews with several candidates. Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh and Seattle Seahawks assistant head coach Leslie Frazier are among those in the mix. Additionally, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore is expected to interview for the position as well.
The Cowboys’ coaching search
The Cowboys are taking their time with this decision, as Schefter noted that “the Cowboys are in no rush to make a decision.” This could give Jones the opportunity to weigh his options carefully, including the possibility of pursuing Sanders. The allure of hiring a high-profile coach like Sanders, who has a proven track record and a magnetic personality, could be a game-changer for the franchise.
The potential for Sanders to return to Dallas as a head coach is captivating for fans and analysts alike. His charisma and coaching prowess could inject new life into the Cowboys, who have been searching for consistent success in recent years. But with the financial implications and Sanders’ current commitment to Colorado, the path forward remains complex.
In the world of college football, the dynamics of coaching can shift rapidly, and the intrigue surrounding Sanders and the Cowboys is a prime example. Will Jerry Jones take the plunge and pursue Coach Prime? Or will he stick with more familiar faces in the coaching search? As the situation unfolds, fans will be eagerly watching to see how this story develops. The excitement surrounding college football and the NFL intertwines in this narrative, leaving us all wondering what the future holds for both Sanders and the Cowboys.
