Deion Sanders Explains Why He Turned Down Cowboys Coaching Job
Deion Sanders disclosed the reason he chose not to coach the Dallas Cowboys.
Deion Sanders disclosed the reason he chose not to coach the Dallas Cowboys.
Deion Sanders had a conversation with Jerry Jones about the Dallas Cowboys’ head coaching position, but one major factor prevented it from happening.
Following the Cowboys’ decision to fire Mike McCarthy, Sanders quickly emerged as a potential candidate. He had discussions with Jones, fueling speculation that he might leave Colorado for Dallas. However, Sanders never formally interviewed for the role and remains committed to coaching the Buffaloes.
During the NFL Honors ceremony on Thursday, Sanders embraced Jones and shared why the position wasn’t right for him.
“I’m not coaching without my son. And they’ve made a huge investment in their quarterback. They understood that,” Sanders told Kayla Nicole of the I AM ATHLETE podcast. “I’m not stepping into that role without my baby.”
Sanders was referring to Dak Prescott, who signed the most lucrative contract in NFL history with the Cowboys in September. Prescott agreed to a four-year, $240 million extension, making it financially unfeasible for Dallas to move on from him.
Additionally, the Cowboys were unlikely to be in a position to draft Sanders’ son, Shedeur. He is projected as an early first-round pick, while Dallas holds the No. 12 selection.
Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Remains a Strong Supporter of Deion Sanders
Jones addressed the rumors linking Sanders to the Cowboys’ coaching job, emphasizing his admiration for Sanders both personally and professionally.
“It’s not about why not Deion. I’m one of his biggest supporters, both as a coach and as a person. Deion has an almost magical effect on young athletes. It’s not just because of his athletic ability; it’s the way he approaches his talent,” Jones said. “Deion primarily speaks to gifted athletes. If you want someone who knows how to transform natural ability into something special, prime time, he’s your guy.”
Jones also reinforced the Cowboys’ urgency to win now, using Prescott’s contract as proof.
“I wouldn’t have made Dak Prescott the highest-paid player in the NFL if we weren’t in win-now mode,” Jones told The Athletic’s Dianna Russini. “It’s shocking to be at this Super Bowl without the Cowboys. That wasn’t my expectation when I signed that deal.
“So we’re going to do whatever it takes to get there… I understand what’s required to reach that level, and we’ll make those moves.”
Cowboys Move Forward With Brian Schottenheimer
The Cowboys officially appointed Brian Schottenheimer as their new head coach. The team also interviewed Philadelphia Eagles coordinator Kellen Moore, former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh, and Seattle Seahawks assistant head coach Leslie Frazier.
“We’re not planning for the future here. Brian’s hiring wasn’t about grooming a coach for later. That’s not what this is. This is a ‘hit the ground running’ decision,” Jones said. “This was the best way to maximize the talent we have now while also looking ahead.”
Schottenheimer has been with the Cowboys for the past three seasons, spending two of them as offensive coordinator. Though he brings decades of experience, this will be his first opportunity as a head coach.
J.R. DeGroote covers the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Lakers for Heavy.com. A graduate of Arizona State, he has extensive experience in digital media, having worked with SBNation and Bleacher Report. He has earned multiple state, regional, and national awards for sports reporting and photography. More about J.R. DeGroote.