The Dallas Cowboys have officially ushered in a new era, appointing Brian Schottenheimer as their head coach following the departure of Mike McCarthy. While Schottenheimer’s hiring wasn’t as flashy as some fans hoped, it was a calculated move by Jerry Jones, who ultimately went with familiarity over flair.
But what if things had played out differently? In a revelation that sent shockwaves through the NFL, it was revealed that Deion Sanders—yes, Coach Prime himself—was on Jones’ radar. The billionaire Cowboys owner reached out to Sanders on the very day he fired McCarthy, igniting speculation about what could have been.
Deion Sanders Reacts to Jerry Jones’ Interest
Sanders, the former Cowboys legend and current Colorado Buffaloes head coach, didn’t shy away from sharing his thoughts about the unexpected approach.
“To hear from Jerry Jones is truly delightful, and it’s intriguing. I love Jerry and believe in Jerry,” Sanders told ESPN at the time. “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.”
The statement left Cowboys fans wondering—was Sanders actually considering the role, or was it simply a respectful nod to an old friend?
Jerry Jones Avoids the Sanders Question
When Jones was pressed about his pursuit of Sanders during Schottenheimer’s unveiling, the Cowboys owner strategically sidestepped the discussion. Instead of giving a definitive answer, Jones simply pointed out that Sanders already has a job.
Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones later confirmed that they had reached out to Sanders, adding that both he and his father “think the world of Coach Prime.”
This acknowledgment only fueled speculation that the Cowboys were at least considering a bold, unconventional move before settling on Schottenheimer.
Would Deion Sanders Have Ever Taken the Job?
NFL insider Ed Werder recently reported that Sanders would have been open to the idea of coaching the Cowboys. However, there was one major caveat—he would only entertain an NFL coaching job if it meant coaching his sons, Shedeur Sanders and Shilo Sanders.
The problem? Shedeur Sanders, a projected first-round quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft, is likely out of Dallas’ reach. Shilo Sanders, on the other hand, could have been a feasible draft pick if the Cowboys wanted to use him as a bargaining chip to lure Coach Prime.
With no clear path to making that happen, it seems the Cowboys never had a realistic shot at landing Sanders—at least, not this time around.
Brian Schottenheimer: The Man Chosen to Lead Dallas
While Cowboys fans might have fantasized about Sanders bringing his energy and swagger to Dallas, the reality is that Brian Schottenheimer will be leading the team into the next chapter.
Schottenheimer is no stranger to the Cowboys organization. He joined Dallas in 2022 as a consultant before being promoted to offensive coordinator in 2023 following Kellen Moore’s departure. His deep NFL roots—being the son of legendary coach Marty Schottenheimer—and prior mentorship under Mike McCarthy made him a logical choice.
While some of the other coaching candidates linked to Dallas—Pete Carroll, Leslie Frazier, and Jason Witten—stirred more excitement, Schottenheimer’s hire signals that continuity and stability were higher priorities for Jerry Jones this time around.
What’s Next for the Cowboys?
Schottenheimer inherits a team that finished 7-10, a disappointing result in a season riddled with injuries and inconsistency. His task is clear: maximize Dak Prescott’s remaining years under his four-year, $240 million deal and restore the Cowboys to legitimate Super Bowl contention.
Meanwhile, the Sanders speculation, while entertaining, is over—for now. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about Jerry Jones, it’s that he never stops thinking big.
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