There is no bigger coaching name in college football right now than Deion Sanders, and there is no bigger organization in the NFL than the Dallas Cowboys. The buzz surrounding a potential reunion between Sanders and the Cowboys is gaining traction, especially with the current state of the Dallas coaching situation.
The Cowboys’ head coaching gig is one of the hottest topics in the league right now. Current Dallas boss Mike McCarthy is all but assuredly out the door with his contract expiring at the end of the season. Given the team’s immense disappointment this season, it’s hard to envision a scenario where he returns. With the Cowboys sitting at a disappointing 3-7 record heading into Week 12, the franchise is likely looking for a fresh start.
Could Deion Sanders make the leap to the NFL?
As the speculation heats up, many high-profile names have been thrown around for the soon-to-be vacancy. Among them is Deion Sanders, who is currently in his second season with the Colorado Buffaloes. He is working tirelessly to elevate the program into the 12-team College Football Playoff. However, with this being the final season in Boulder for standout players like Travis Hunter and his son, Shedeur Sanders, could “Coach Prime” be on the move?
If Hall of Famer Michael Irvin is correct, that means he’d be heading back to Dallas, where he spent five seasons as a star cornerback. Irvin recently appeared on Colin Cowherd’s FS1 show, “The Herd,” and dropped a spicy tidbit about Sanders and a connection to the Cowboys. The former Dallas wide receiver stated that Sanders “100 percent” would accept the head coaching job with the Cowboys if offered to him—on one condition.
The Shedeur Sanders factor
The caveat to Sanders’ potential hiring is that Dallas would need to draft his son, Shedeur, to take over at quarterback. Irvin emphasized this point, saying, “I can tell you, good sources have told me that. Great sources have told me that.” This adds an intriguing layer to the discussion. Before the season, the Cowboys were not expected to be in the running for a top draft pick. However, their current struggles put them in line for a top-10 selection, with the organization currently owning the No. 9 pick in the draft.
How realistic is this scenario? ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has also been vocal about the “Sanders family to Dallas” narrative. He previously stated that Coach Prime, along with Shedeur at quarterback, is the answer to fixing the Cowboys’ problems. “To me, Prime Time Deion Sanders is the Coach of the Year,” Smith said. He boldly suggested that the Cowboys should tank the rest of the season to secure the No. 1 overall pick, allowing them to draft Shedeur Sanders and hire Deion as their head coach.
What does Deion Sanders think?
Later on Tuesday, Sanders was asked about Irvin’s comments. He was adamant that he isn’t leaving Colorado anytime soon. “I’m happy where I am, man,” Sanders told ESPN. “I’ve got a kickstand down. You know what a kickstand is? … That means I’m resting. I’m good, I’m happy, I’m excited about where I am. I love it here, truly do.” He further emphasized, “We ain’t going nowhere. We’re about to get comfortable.”
Despite his strong commitment to Colorado, the Cowboys’ coaching situation remains fluid. With seven games left in the 2024 regular season, no decisions will be made for months. The looming question of what to do with Dak Prescott, the highest-paid player in NFL history, is another angle that has yet to be explored.
The future of the Cowboys coaching position
The Cowboys are at a crossroads, and the upcoming offseason will be crucial for the franchise. With McCarthy’s future uncertain, the organization is likely weighing its options carefully. Could Deion Sanders be the spark that ignites a new era for the Cowboys? The thought of the dynamic coach bringing his energy and charisma to Dallas is certainly enticing for fans.
Moreover, the idea of pairing Deion with his son Shedeur adds another layer of excitement. The prospect of a father-son duo leading the Cowboys could capture the imagination of fans and analysts alike. The NFL is always about narratives, and this one has the potential to be a blockbuster.
As the speculation continues to swirl, one thing is clear: where there is smoke, there is fire. Deion Sanders’ name is one to watch as the Cowboys look for their next head coach. The combination of his coaching prowess and the possibility of drafting his son could make for an intriguing storyline in the coming months.
In the world of college football and the NFL, surprises are always around the corner. Will Deion Sanders make the leap to the pros? Only time will tell, but the excitement surrounding this potential move is palpable. The Cowboys have a rich history, and with the right leadership, they could once again become a force to be reckoned with in the league.