As rumors swirl about a potential move to the NFL, Deion Sanders has emphatically shut down speculation surrounding his future as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.
Despite a challenging 2024 season for the Cowboys, with a four-game losing streak and a 3-6 record, Sanders made it clear that he’s fully committed to his current role with the Colorado Buffaloes. His statement comes amid growing chatter that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones could soon be seeking a new head coach, possibly looking to hire Sanders as a high-profile replacement for Mike McCarthy.
McCarthy, whose contract with the Cowboys is expiring at the end of the 2024 season, is facing increasing pressure after the team’s underperformance, including being without star quarterback Dak Prescott for the remainder of the year due to a hamstring injury. With the Cowboys’ playoff hopes dimming, the franchise is rumored to be exploring candidates who could bring a fresh energy to the team. Sanders, who has gained national attention for his transformative work with the Buffaloes, is one of the top names being floated in these discussions.
On Tuesday, during an episode of Speak with Michael Irvin, Sanders was asked directly about the possibility of taking over as head coach of the Cowboys next season. With his usual confidence and conviction, Sanders firmly responded, “Don’t start that. I love it where I am.” He then walked over to his office window to emphasize his point, showing the view of Folsom Field, home of the Colorado Buffaloes. The message was clear: Sanders isn’t looking to leave his current post for an NFL job at this time.
The speculation about Sanders’ potential move to the NFL has gained momentum after his remarkable success at Colorado. In just his second year as head coach, Sanders has led the Buffaloes to a 7-2 record, securing a strong position in the Big 12. The team has thrived under his leadership, with Sanders’ sons, Shedeur and Shilo, playing pivotal roles. Shedeur, in particular, has emerged as one of the top quarterbacks in college football, with many anticipating his jump to the NFL after this season. Travis Hunter, another of Sanders’ star players, has also been a major contributor to the team’s success, making Sanders’ coaching prowess undeniable.
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Given Sanders’ success at Colorado and his ability to develop high-level talent, it’s not surprising that his name has been linked to NFL jobs. His charismatic and dynamic style has caught the attention of NFL teams, including the Cowboys, who have been in a period of flux. While McCarthy’s future remains uncertain, many expect Jerry Jones to make a decision soon about the direction of the franchise. The Cowboys, now well out of playoff contention, are in need of a reset, and Sanders’ name has surfaced as a potential spark for the organization.
However, Sanders’ recent comments make it clear that he is in no rush to leave college football. His work at Colorado is far from finished, and he has built a strong foundation with the Buffaloes that includes not only his sons but a roster brimming with talent. Sanders has also emphasized the importance of continuing to develop the culture at Colorado and providing a platform for young players to succeed, something he feels strongly about. The potential to elevate the Buffaloes to new heights in college football remains a major driving force for Sanders.
Of course, the speculation about McCarthy’s job status is ongoing. With the Cowboys’ 2024 season looking more and more like a lost cause, fans and analysts alike are wondering if Jerry Jones will pull the trigger on a coaching change. In addition to Sanders, other names have been floated as potential replacements for McCarthy, with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson emerging as a strong candidate. Johnson, known for his innovative approach to offensive playcalling, has been linked to several head coaching vacancies across the league and could be a prime candidate for the Cowboys if they decide to make a change.
As the Cowboys’ struggles continue, Jones’ silence on the matter has only fueled further speculation. While it’s unclear when, or if, a change will happen, the Cowboys’ disappointing season has made it all but certain that the team will look to make significant changes heading into 2025. Sanders, however, remains focused on his current role at Colorado, offering a reminder that he’s not easily swayed by the allure of the NFL, at least not for now.
Looking ahead, Sanders’ impact on college football is undeniable. He’s proven that he can rebuild programs and develop talent, and his work at Colorado is a testament to his coaching abilities. Whether or not he eventually makes the jump to the NFL remains to be seen, but for now, he is fully committed to the Buffaloes. For Cowboys fans hoping for Sanders to take over the reins, they’ll have to wait a little longer to see if the stars align for a potential move to the NFL.
For now, it’s clear that Deion Sanders is staying put at Colorado, and the Cowboys’ coaching search will continue. Whether the team turns to other candidates like Ben Johnson or waits for a future opportunity to court Sanders, the next few months will be crucial for the future of the franchise. As the NFL coaching carousel spins, one thing is certain: Deion Sanders’ next coaching decision will be one of the most closely watched in recent memory, but it won’t be coming anytime soon for Dallas.