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Todd Archer, ESPN editor
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 owner and general manager Jerry Jones and Sanders spoke Monday and while no interviews have been scheduled, the two are expected to continue their dialogue. Fox Sports was the first to report the conversation between the two parties.
Sanders was linked to a Cowboys job that wasn’t even open in the fall.
Sanders is coming off his sophomore year at Colorado where he posted a 13-12 record, including a 9-4 mark in 2024 in which the Buffalos won the Heisman Trophy in wide receiver/corner Travis Hunter .
In November, Sanders was asked about potential interest from NFL teams.
“I’m happy where I am, man,” Sanders said. “I have a crutch down. You know what a crutch is? … It means I’m resting. I’m good, I’m happy, I’m excited. I’m excited about where I am. I love this place , Really.”
Sanders received a five-year, $29.5 million contract when he was hired at 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 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He remained in North Texas after his playing career ended and maintained a close relationship with the Jones family.
Per the Rooney Rule, teams must interview two external minority head coaching candidates in their search.
The Cowboys announced Monday that they and McCarthy would part ways after five seasons. McCarthy was 49-35 in the regular season, including a 7-10 mark in 2024.
Rules prohibit scheduling any interviews at this time, but McCarthy is expected to speak with the Chicago Bears as early as Wednesday, according to multiple sources. The New Orleans Saints are also expected to interview McCarthy.
