Jerry Jones talks to Deion Sanders about the Cowboys coaching job

FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys are still early in their search for a replacement for Mike McCarthy as head coach, but one name has already been announced: former Cowboys cornerback and current Colorado coach Deion Sanders.

A source said Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones and Sanders spoke on Monday and while no interview is scheduled, the two are expected to continue their dialogue. Fox Sports first reported the conversation between the two sides.

Sanders has been linked to a job with the Cowboys that wasn’t even open in the fall.

“Hearing from Jerry Jones is really gratifying and fascinating,” Sanders told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday night. “I love Jerry and believe in Jerry. When you put it on, process it and think about it, it’s fascinating. But I love Boulder and everything it has to do with our team, the coaches, our student body and the community.”

Sanders just completed his second season at Colorado, where he compiled a 13-12 record, including a 9-4 mark in 2024, when the Buffaloes had Heisman Trophy winner wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter.

In November, Sanders was asked about potential interest from NFL teams.

“I’m happy where I’m at, man,” Sanders said. “I went down a hard-on. Do you know what a boner is? …That means I’m resting. I’m fine, I’m happy, I’m excited. I love where I am. “I love it here, I really do.”

Sanders received a five-year, $29.5 million contract when he was hired in late 2022 after his successful run at Jackson State in Colorado.

Sanders played five seasons of his Hall of Fame career for the Cowboys, helping the team win Super Bowl XXX against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1996. He remained in North Texas after his playing career ended and maintains a close relationship with the Jones family.

Under the NFL’s Rooney Rule, teams must interview two outside minority head coaching candidates in their search.

The Cowboys announced Monday that they and McCarthy would part ways after five seasons. McCarthy compiled a 49-35 regular season record, including a 7-10 mark this season.

Rules still prohibit arranging interviews, but McCarthy is expected to interview with the Chicago Bears as early as Wednesday, according to multiple sources. The New Orleans Saints are also expected to interview McCarthy.