The Dallas Cowboys are in the midst of what can only be described as one of their most disappointing seasons in recent memory. At 3-7 midway through the 2024 campaign, the once-promising team now finds itself battling not only for respect but for its head coach’s job. Coach Mike McCarthy, who led the Cowboys to three straight 12-win seasons, has seen his tenure overshadowed by postseason failures, and now, the Cowboys’ playoff hopes appear slim.
After a frustrating Wild Card exit to the Green Bay Packers in January, many believed that owner Jerry Jones would pull the trigger on major changes. Instead, Jones, ever the optimist, declared himself “all in” on the Cowboys. However, despite that bold statement, the offseason brought no game-changing moves to improve the roster. The failure to make significant upgrades now seems like a fatal misstep.
As Dallas stumbles through the season, McCarthy is now firmly on the hot seat. His team, once expected to be Super Bowl contenders, is instead floundering with questions surrounding his leadership and the overall direction of the franchise.
Enter Deion Sanders: Could Coach Prime Be the Future of America’s Team?
Amid this turmoil, one name has emerged in conversation about the Cowboys’ future: Deion Sanders. Yes, the same Deion Sanders who made a legendary career in the NFL and is now electrifying college football as the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes. The idea of Sanders returning to the NFL, and more specifically to the Cowboys, has taken hold in Dallas, fueled by the likes of former Cowboys great Michael Irvin.
Irvin, an iconic figure in Cowboys history and a staunch supporter of Coach Prime, recently went public with his opinion that Jerry Jones should pursue Sanders if McCarthy is let go. The Hall of Fame wide receiver made his case during a live Netflix broadcast, where he shared his thoughts on the future of the Cowboys’ coaching staff. Irvin, as he put it, would “be in Jerry’s ear” to convince the Cowboys owner to go after Sanders.
While Jones didn’t directly address the suggestion during the broadcast, the rumors only gained momentum. Just days later, the Cowboys owner and general manager joined 105.3 The FAN, a popular Dallas radio station, where he was asked about the prospect of Deion Sanders making a return to the NFL. Jones, ever the cautious strategist, was quick to temper expectations.
“We’re way ahead of ourselves in terms of when and if he decides to go into coaching in the NFL,” Jones said. “One of his greatest skills [for] college is that he almost has no peer as far as being a recruiter… Not a huge prerequisite for the NFL.”
So, while Jones didn’t exactly shut down the idea of Sanders making the jump, he was careful to note that recruiting—something Sanders has absolutely dominated during his time at Colorado—is far less important at the professional level. Still, the possibility of Sanders taking over America’s Team in 2025 has Cowboys fans buzzing.
There’s little question that Deion Sanders has transformed Colorado’s football program since taking over in 2022. His charisma, leadership, and ability to recruit at the highest level have given the Buffaloes a renewed sense of purpose and excitement. Under his guidance, Colorado made headlines across the country, and his son, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, has elevated his draft stock to the point where many expect him to be a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
For some, this connection to the NFL might be the key to Sanders’ departure from Boulder. As Shedeur looks toward his professional career, it’s possible that Deion might follow suit. The allure of coaching in the NFL and the opportunity to bring his talents back to a team like the Cowboys could be too great to resist, especially with the added challenge of coaching a roster full of established stars like Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons, and CeeDee Lamb.
However, it’s not as simple as packing his bags and heading to Dallas. Sanders has built something special in Colorado, especially with the recent addition of Julian Lewis, one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2025 class. With Shedeur likely to leave for the NFL, having a generational talent like Lewis coming in to take the reins could provide Sanders with a compelling reason to stay in Boulder and continue building his legacy.
What Does This Mean for the Cowboys?
While Deion Sanders may or may not be in Dallas’ future, the Cowboys are at a crossroads. The season has been a disaster so far, and it’s unclear whether McCarthy can salvage it. Even with star players like Prescott and Parsons, the Cowboys have once again failed to live up to the lofty expectations placed upon them.
In the short term, Jones has a decision to make: stick with McCarthy or make a change to try and inject new life into the franchise. But in the long term, the prospect of landing a coach with the profile of Deion Sanders could signal a dramatic shift for the Cowboys.
Sanders, known for his swagger, leadership, and ability to connect with players, would certainly bring a new energy to the Cowboys. While there’s no guarantee that his transition to the NFL would be as seamless as his college success, it’s hard to ignore the allure of Coach Prime leading the most valuable sports franchise in the world.
For now, all we have are rumors and speculation. But in Jerry Jones’ world, where big moves are never far off, anything is possible. The Cowboys may be struggling right now, but as always, the franchise remains a star-studded destination with the potential to make a game-changing hire. Whether that hire will be Deion Sanders remains to be seen, but you can bet that everyone—fans, former players, and the media alike—will be watching closely.
Could Deion Sanders be the Cowboys’ next head coach? Stay tuned.
