Jerry Jones, the billionaire owner of the Dallas Cowboys, is eyeing a significant move to fill the team’s vacant head coaching position. After parting ways with Mike McCarthy, who had a tumultuous tenure, Jones has set his sights on one of the most electrifying figures in football: Deion Sanders. However, bringing “Coach Prime” back to Dallas will come at a steep price.
Sanders, who previously played for the Cowboys and won a Super Bowl with the team in 1995, has become a hot commodity in the coaching world. His impressive track record includes a successful stint at Jackson State, where he led the Tigers to a 27-6 record over three seasons. Now, as the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, he has transformed a struggling program into a competitive force. The Buffaloes, who finished 1-11 before Sanders’ arrival, posted a respectable 4-8 in his first year and followed it up with a stellar 9-4 season, tying for first in the Big 12 before falling in the Alamo Bowl.
But what does it take to lure Sanders away from Colorado? Currently, he is in the midst of a five-year deal worth $29.5 million, which means that if he decides to leave, the university would owe him $8 million. This financial commitment is just one of the hurdles Jones faces in his pursuit of Sanders. Notably, McCarthy was earning $8 million per season, which is considerably less than some of the league’s top coaches.
Financial Implications of a Coaching Change
The financial landscape of NFL coaching salaries is staggering. To put things into perspective, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid tops the list with an annual salary of $20 million. Following him are Sean Payton of the Broncos at $18 million and Mike Tomlin of the Steelers, alongside Jim Harbaugh of the Chargers, both earning $16 million. The Cowboys, with their storied history and passionate fan base, are expected to pay a competitive salary to attract a coach of Sanders’ caliber.
Currently, Sanders earns $5.9 million annually at Colorado, with the potential for an additional $1.85 million in bonuses and incentives. If he were to take the reins in Dallas, it’s likely he would seek a significant raise, especially considering the Cowboys’ recent struggles, including missing the playoffs.
Jones’ interest in Sanders is fueled not just by the coach’s impressive resume but also by his star power and historical ties to the franchise. Sanders has a unique ability to attract top talent, as evidenced by his successful recruitment of high-profile prospects like his son, Shedeur Sanders, and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, both projected to be top draft picks.
McCarthy’s Departure and the Search for a New Leader
The departure of McCarthy has left a void in the Cowboys’ coaching staff. Reports suggest that McCarthy’s exit was primarily due to a contract impasse, with the coach seeking more guaranteed money over a longer period. The Cowboys’ own website hinted that Jones may not have been willing to commit to the kind of long-term financial security that many new head coaches have been receiving lately.
Columnist Mickey Spagnola noted, “Jerry likely wasn’t willing to commit guaranteed money over the five-year time period new head coaches have been signing over the past year, that certainly McCarthy’s agent, Don Yee, was angling for.” This situation has opened the door for Jones to explore new options, and Sanders is at the top of his list.
Earlier this week, Sanders confirmed that he had spoken with Jones over the phone, although he seems inclined to remain in Colorado for at least another season. “I love Jerry and believe in Jerry,” Sanders said. “After you hang up, and process it, and think about it, it’s intriguing. But I love Boulder and everything there is about our team, the coaches, our student body, and the community.”
Sanders’ Emotional Connection to Coaching
Sanders has made a significant impact since transitioning into coaching. His emotional connection to his players and the community is palpable. He recently expressed his gratitude during a team meeting, stating, “I can’t explain how happy and how thoughtful and how thankful I am for this day.” He emphasized the importance of building relationships with his players, saying, “You could have chosen anybody but you chose us, and you chose me, so I’m proud of you.”
This heartfelt approach has resonated with his players and the broader community, which adds another layer of complexity to Jones’ pursuit. While the allure of returning to the Cowboys is strong, the bonds Sanders has forged at Colorado cannot be overlooked.
As the coaching carousel spins, the Cowboys find themselves at a crossroads. Will Jerry Jones be willing to pay the price to bring Deion Sanders back to Dallas? The stakes are high, and the football world is watching closely. With the potential for a new era in Cowboys football, the outcome of this pursuit could reshape the franchise’s future.
