The Dallas Cowboys have decided to part ways with Mike McCarthy as of Monday, January 13, just one day prior to the expiration of his contract.

It looks like Cowboys owner Jerry Jones could be planning a high-profile move to fill the position left vacant by his head coach of five years.

Immediately following the announcement regarding McCarthy, reports surfaced indicating that the Cowboys have had discussions with Deion Sanders concerning the coaching role.

Sanders, a former standout defensive back who played for the Cowboys for five seasons, has been coaching at the collegiate level for the past five years. He began at Jackson State, transforming the program into a powerhouse within the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) in a mere three years.

Known as “Coach Prime,” Sanders has spent the last two seasons at Colorado, coaching his sons, Shedeur and Shiloh, along with Heisman Trophy winner, Travis Hunter. Sanders led Colorado to a 9-4 record in the 2024 season, marking the team’s first winning season since 2016 and just their second since 2006.

While Sanders’ coaching achievements have made him a respected figure in college football, the question remains: could his coaching style succeed in the NFL? Moreover, would he be willing to take on the challenge with the Cowboys if Jones expresses a strong interest in him?

Here’s everything you need to know about Sanders as a contender for the Cowboys’ coaching position and why he’s emerging as a serious candidate to follow McCarthy.

Is Deion Sanders the Potential Next Hire for the Cowboys? Current Rumors and Updates

The Cowboys seem to show interest in Sanders for the head coaching position. According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, the Colorado coach had a conversation with Dallas owner Jerry Jones on Monday.

“Although an interview has yet to be arranged, both parties are expected to keep the lines of communication open,” Archer reported regarding Sanders and the Cowboys.

Additionally, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport has mentioned that Sanders has “some interest in the coaching role with Dallas.” This is likely due to his long-standing relationship with Jones, which dates back to Sanders’ illustrious career with the Cowboys in the mid-1990s, during which he helped secure Super Bowl 30—one of the two championships he won in his 14-year NFL career. The two have maintained regular contact over the decades.

However, Sanders seems to be weighing his options. He spoke about his discussion with Jones on Monday night but hinted that it might be challenging to leave Colorado after just two years as head coach there.

“Learning from Jerry Jones is genuinely exciting; it’s a captivating prospect,” Sanders shared with ESPN. “I have a deep admiration for Jerry. After processing our conversation, it is truly intriguing. However, my love for Boulder and our team, coaching staff, student body, and community is strong.”

Thus, it’s still uncertain whether Sanders will seriously entertain the idea of taking over as the Cowboys’ coach. Nevertheless, he remains the frontrunner for the position as of now.

Odds for the Next Head Coach of the Cowboys

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Sanders has been listed as a +100 favorite to become the next Cowboys head coach, suggesting a 50% chance of taking over the role following McCarthy.

DraftKings has also identified several other contenders for the Cowboys’ coaching gig, including current Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who previously held the same role in Dallas during McCarthy’s tenure.

Here’s the complete list of odds provided by the sportsbook:

• Deion Sanders, Colorado Buffaloes head coach: +100
• Kellen Moore, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator: +250
• Kliff Kingsbury, Washington Commanders offensive coordinator: +350
• Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator: +450
• Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator: +550
• Bill Belichick, North Carolina Tar Heels head coach: +650
• Steve Sarkisian, Texas Longhorns head coach: +750
• Jason Witten, former Dallas Cowboys tight end: +850
• Aaron Glenn, Detroit Lions defensive coordinator: +950

Potential Head Coaching Candidates for the Cowboys

Here’s a brief overview of the leading candidates for Dallas to consider as they search for McCarthy’s replacement:

Kellen Moore, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator

Moore has an eight-year history with the Cowboys both as a player and a coach, including four years as their offensive coordinator. His offenses generally performed well, notably in the 2021 NFL season when the Cowboys led the league in both points and yards per game. A return could rekindle that success with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb if he’s chosen.

Jerry Jones has ensured Moore’s continuity even after Jason Garrett’s departure, indicating his favoritism. Therefore, he could be the leading candidate if Sanders doesn’t take the job.

Kliff Kingsbury, Washington Commanders offensive coordinator

Kingsbury is another offensive coordinator from the NFC East who might be considered for the role. The former Arizona Cardinals head coach guided Jayden Daniels to an outstanding rookie year and played a key role in Washington finishing as the fourth-best offense in terms of EPA for the 2024 season, even achieving the top ranking for running plays in the league.

Bringing Kingsbury on board would likely strengthen Dallas’s offense, while also undermining Washington’s strength. The critical question remains whether Jones might hesitate due to Kingsbury’s 28-37-1 record as head coach in Arizona.

Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator

Hiring Johnson would be comparable to a move a team like the Los Angeles Rams made with Sean McVay. The 38-year-old has gained recognition as one of the most innovative offensive minds since assuming the Lions’ offensive coordinator role, guiding Detroit to be among the top five offenses in terms of yards and points per game each season of his tenure while developing Jared Goff into a Pro Bowl quarterback.

Although the Cowboys missed an opportunity to interview Johnson during the Lions’ playoff intermission, they may still pursue him if they wait patiently for their chance at the talented offensive strategist.

Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator

Brady represents another rising star among offensive coaches and could potentially become the youngest head coach in the NFL if hired in 2025. The 35-year-old took charge of the Bills’ offense during the 2023 season and transformed it into one of the most efficient and explosive in the league. The Bills ranked second in the 2024 season for EPA per play (0.18), while Josh Allen achieved 41 touchdowns in a season that could be considered MVP-caliber.

Brady’s experience coaching other quarterbacks like Joe Burrow at LSU in 2019, and working with Drew Brees and Sean Payton previously, demonstrates his ability to mentor Prescott as he approaches the later stages of his career.

Pete Carroll, former Seattle Seahawks head coach

Carroll will turn 74 at the beginning of the 2025 NFL season, yet he’s reportedly eager to make a return to the NFL. His presence as a seasoned, Super Bowl-winning coach known for cultivating team culture may appeal to the Cowboys. This would be vital given that McCarthy was well-received by players.

Carroll could also bring a valuable connection to Dan Quinn, who excelled as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator before becoming head coach for the Commanders in the offseason. His overall coaching record of 170-120-1 also makes him an attractive prospect for Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ leadership.

Jason Witten, former Dallas Cowboys tight end

Witten may not be a coaching candidate for any team other than the Cowboys, but Jerry Jones is very optimistic about his potential.

For example, during his weekly segment on 105.3 The Fan on November 15, 2024, Jones commented on Witten’s coaching prospects enthusiastically, saying, “Absolutely. Without doubt. Yes,” asserting that Witten possesses an indescribable quality. He likened Witten to the Cowboys’ former tight end who is currently coaching in Detroit, Dan Campbell.

“Jason has an advanced understanding of football and its intricacies. Most importantly, he comprehends the physical demands and mentality needed for the sport. Undoubtedly, he could transition to an NFL coaching role. His work ethic is exceptional. He has the potential to be a top coach.”

While Witten shows promise, he has only four years of experience as a head coach at the high school level. This lack of experience could be a concern, but if Jones sees fit, he may still take a chance on Witten.