Deion Sanders has been a transformative figure for Colorado football, but the chances of him leaving Boulder for the Dallas Cowboys appear slim. Sports Illustrated’s Josh Sanchez pointed out the clear reasons why Sanders is unlikely to make such a move: Coach Prime thrives in environments with autonomy, and Jerry Jones’ famously hands-on approach as Cowboys owner would create constant interference.
As Sanchez wrote, “Coach Prime has taken the Buffs from a 1-11 team before he arrived to an 8-2 program in the mix for the College Football Playoff. He is already a Colorado legend, so why leave for a job where an unpredictable owner will hover over you and the pressure to make an immediate impact could hurt your coaching reputation? No smart man would take the job.”
Sanders’ impact on Colorado has been undeniable, both in revitalizing the program and raising its national profile. For many Buffs fans, his legacy is already cemented. That sentiment makes the prospect of him leaving for the Cowboys—despite whispers of interest—hard to imagine.
Irvin Stirs the Pot
Rumors linking Sanders to Dallas surfaced after Cowboys legend Michael Irvin made surprising comments during the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson broadcast. With Jones sitting nearby, Irvin suggested he would advocate for Sanders as a candidate to lead the Cowboys, stating, “I give him respect like I give my great guy Deion Sanders, who didn’t go the normal route. Who I’m gonna be in Jerry’s ear about later.”
This unexpected remark led to speculation, though it remains unclear whether Irvin had Jones’ blessing or was speaking off the cuff.
A Partnership That Likely Won’t Happen
While Jones and Sanders share mutual respect, the fit between the two seems improbable. Sanders is flourishing at Colorado, where he’s built a program in his vision without the constant scrutiny of an NFL-level owner. Moving to Dallas would mean navigating a highly pressured environment with Jones’ infamous micromanagement, a scenario that could jeopardize Sanders’ hard-earned reputation.
Ultimately, while Irvin’s comments sparked debate, all signs point to Sanders staying put in Colorado. For Coach Prime, the grass is greener—and far less meddled with—on Boulder’s fields.
