Deion Sanders named 'top candidate' for Dallas Cowboys but there's a gigantic hurdle to clear if it's going to happen
Deion Sanders on the Dallas Cowboys appears to be a more realistic possibility than many would've assumed. According to FOX Sports' NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Sanders and the Cowboys have spoken about their head coaching vacancy. Schultz added Sanders "is considered a top candidate, though the Cowboys plan to interview other candidates as part of the […]
Deion Sanders on the Dallas Cowboys appears to be a more realistic possibility than many would've assumed.
According to FOX Sports' NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Sanders and the Cowboys have spoken about their head coaching vacancy. Schultz added Sanders "is considered a top candidate, though the Cowboys plan to interview other candidates as part of the process,"
Sanders is the first coaching candidate reported to have spoken to the Cowboys.
A move from Sanders to the NFL would be considered a major surprise though it's easy to see why he could be attracted to the Cowboys. He has a good relationship with Jerry Jones and isn't afraid of the sideshow beyond the football field. In fact, he's encouraged a similar environment in Colorado.
However, Sanders seems to be laying a foundation for a long-term stay in college football.
"It's not just his sons anymore, " A to Z Sports' college football managing editor Travis May said in November. "And it's not just Travis Hunter anymore. He's really trying to flip key recruits for this next year to actually have a less than embarrassing high school football recruiting class on top of the transfers you know he's going to bring in. So everything he's doing now is finally looking like a head coach is supposed to look at the college football level, and he was not there just a year ago."
Cowboys have to clear a gigantic hurdle to land Deion Sanders
For the Cowboys to land Sanders, money will likely be a sticking point, mostly a $8 million buyout from his contract with Colorado.
Not to mention, the NFL legend has grown his brand in a pretty unique way. His deal with the Buffaloes reportedly pays him $5.9 million per year. That doesn't include bonuses, incentives, and merchandise concessions. Sanders has leverage for a pay raise over the University and an extension would likely happen well before his contract expires.
Buying Sanders out plus signing him to an entirely new deal would be a major pivot from the Cowboys, who paid Mike McCarthy relatively low to his NFL peers at around $4 million per year.
Could the Cowboys make it work with Sanders? Only time will tell but Schultz reporting that he'd be a "top candidate" is certainly noteworthy. The insider also reported there is mutual interest and the "two are going to stay in contact on this."
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Potential head coaches for the Cowboys.
