Jerry Jones talks to Deion Sanders about the Cowboys coaching job

FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys are in the early stages of their search to replace Mike McCarthy as head coach, but one name is already known: former Cowboys cornerback and current Colorado coach Deion Sanders.

A source said Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones and Sanders spoke Monday, and although an interview has not been scheduled, the two are expected to continue their dialogue. The conversation between the two sides was first reported by Fox Sports.

Sanders was tied to a Cowboys job that wasn’t even available in the fall.

“Listening to Jerry Jones is really charming and intriguing,” Sanders told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday night. “I love Jerry and I believe in Jerry. After hanging it up and processing it and thinking about it, it’s intriguing. But I love Boulder and everything about our team, the coaches, our student body and the community.”

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

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

“I’m happy where I am, man,” Sanders said. “I have a kickstand down. Do you know what a kickstand is?… That means I’m resting. I’m good, I’m happy, I’m excited. I’m excited about where I am. I love it here, I really do.” .

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

Sanders played five seasons of his Hall of Fame career for the Cowboys, helping the team win Super Bowl XXX in 1996 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He remained in North Texas after his playing career ended and has maintained 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 posted a 49-35 regular season record, including a 7-10 mark this season.

Rules prohibit scheduling interviews yet, but McCarthy is expected to interview with the Chicago Bears on Wednesday, according to multiple sources. The New Orleans Saints are also expected to interview McCarthy.