Deion Sanders, the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, expressed interest in the vacant Dallas Cowboys coaching position after the 2024 season, but ultimately, no offer was made. In a recent appearance on The Skip Bayless Show, Sanders clarified the situation, stating, "I’m not going to say it was offered to me. I’m going to say it was an opportunity that could have presented itself, and we didn’t go to the next level. But Jerry was always honest and straight up." This revelation comes after the Cowboys parted ways with Mike McCarthy, who led the team to a disappointing 7-10 record in the previous season.
Following McCarthy's departure, the Cowboys hired their offensive coordinator, Brian Schottenheimer, as the new head coach. Sanders, who played for the Cowboys from 1995 to 1999, has a longstanding relationship with team owner Jerry Jones. During his time with Dallas, Sanders won a Super Bowl and earned multiple First-Team All-Pro selections, which adds to the intrigue surrounding his potential return to the franchise.
Despite the speculation, Sanders made it clear that his heart remains with the Buffaloes, who he transformed from a one-win program into a postseason contender with a 9-4 record in 2024. He stated, "I love Boulder and everything there is about our team, the coaches, our student body, and the community." This sentiment highlights his commitment to Colorado, even as rumors swirled about his possible move to the NFL.
Interestingly, Sanders is not just focused on his own career; he also has his sons, Shedeur and Shilo, in mind. He revealed that the only scenario in which he would consider coaching in the NFL is if he could coach both of his sons. "The only way I would even consider coaching in the NFL is if I could coach my sons. And I mean my SONS, not just one of them," he stated. This personal connection to his sons adds another layer to the narrative surrounding his coaching aspirations.
Meanwhile, the college football landscape is witnessing a shift as coaches across the country are canceling spring games out of fear of player poaching. However, Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy is eager to revive the Bedlam rivalry with the Oklahoma Sooners in a spring game, inspired by Sanders' desire to play another team in a spring exhibition.
In a bold move, Sanders expressed his wish to host a spring game against another team. "I would actually like to play the spring game against another team, in the spring. That’s what I’m trying to do right now," he said. His enthusiasm was met with a positive response from Syracuse head coach Fran Brown, who accepted the challenge, stating, "We will come to Boulder for 3 days." However, both teams require NCAA approval to hold a competitive scrimmage, as current regulations prohibit such contests during the spring practice window.
The Division I FBS Oversight Committee is set to meet on April 10, 2025, to discuss the possibility of granting permission for competitive spring scrimmages. ESPN analyst Rece Davis weighed in on the situation during the March 27 episode of the ESPN College Football podcast, expressing skepticism about whether the NCAA would approve Sanders' request this year. "I don’t believe it will get approved this year," Davis stated, emphasizing the challenges posed by NCAA bureaucracy.
Despite the uncertainty, Sanders remains optimistic about the potential for a spring game, understanding the importance of making it a memorable event. He expressed concern that this might be the last spring game for the Buffaloes, saying, "We’ve got to sell this thing out and pack this thing, because the way the trend is going is, you never know if this is going to be the last spring game." His commitment to building excitement around the program is evident as he navigates these challenges.
As the 2024 season came to a close, speculation grew about Sanders' future, particularly with his sons nearing the end of their college careers. Many believed that Sanders might consider an NFL coaching position to be closer to his sons. However, he has made it clear that his priority is to remain in Boulder for now. "Jerry [Jones] did and he still does [have interest in Sanders as Cowboys coach]," he said. "I love him to life." But for the time being, Sanders is focused on his role with the Buffaloes.
Looking ahead, two of Sanders' former players, Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, are projected to be top picks in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. Hunter, who recently won the 2024 Heisman Trophy, is expected to be a top ten pick, while Shedeur's draft stock is still fluctuating, with some mocks placing him as high as No. 1 overall. This adds another layer of excitement and anticipation as the draft approaches.
In conclusion, while Deion Sanders may not be stepping into the Cowboys' head coach role this season, his influence on college football remains significant. His commitment to the Colorado Buffaloes, coupled with his aspirations for a competitive spring game, showcases his passion for the sport and his dedication to his players. As the NCAA deliberates on spring game regulations, all eyes will be on Sanders and the Buffaloes to see how they navigate the evolving landscape of college football.
