JERRY BEING JERRY
Here’s the latest on the surprising reports that Jerry Jones may be considering a legendary college coach for the Dallas Cowboys head coaching job:
📰 Major Rumor: Nick Saban to the Cowboys?
A recent article from The Sun suggests owner Jerry Jones is being tipped to hire college coaching legend Nick Saban in a shock move should current head coach Brian Schottenheimer prove ineffective. The speculation centers around Saban’s storied career at Alabama and his analytical role at ESPN. Pundits argue he could be tempted by the challenge and resources at “America’s Team”.
However, Saban is 73 years old, retired since 2024, and has no known intentions to return to sideline coaching. Media voices remain skeptical that he’d accept such a role.
🔍 The Prime Contender: Deion Sanders
🚀 Why Sanders Makes Sense:
- Strong personal tie to Dallas and Jones, built during his playing days (including a Super Bowl win in 1996).
- Repeated improvement of college programs at Jackson State and Colorado—Colorado posted its first winning season in years since he took over.
- Makes for a high-profile, media-dominating hire aligned with Jones’s flashy tendencies.
⚠️ Potential Hurdles:
- Sanders has no NFL coaching experience and may prioritize continuing at Colorado, especially with his sons Shedeur and Shilo involved ﹘ a key factor since Dallas is unlikely to draft his son Shedeur.
- Jerry Jones himself downplayed the likelihood, stating they might be getting ahead of themselves, and noted they still prefer a candidate with NFL experience.
🧩 Other College Coaches in the Mix
The Cowboys have been linked to several other prominent college coaches, including:
- Lincoln Riley (USC/Oklahoma), known for quarterback development and an Air Raid system that hypothetically fits the NFL.
- Steve Sarkisian (Texas), successful rebuilding and offensive systems; has NFL experience as a coordinator.
- Urban Meyer (Ohio State, former NFL coach), although health and durability concerns loom from past experiences.
- Matt Rhule and Dan Mullen, regarded as strong leaders with NFL familiarity or prospects.
👔 Current Situation & Next Steps
- Brian Schottenheimer, previously the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator, is now in his first year as head coach for 2025.
- Media discussions about Saban and Sanders remain early-stage speculation; there has been no formal hiring process reported.
- Deion Sanders has had contact with Jones, and the discussions are ongoing, but nothing is confirmed.
📊 Summary Table
| Coach Candidate | Background | Pros for Cowboys | Main Concerns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nick Saban | College legend (Alabama), retired | Huge credibility & resources | Age, no intention to return |
| Deion Sanders | Colorado HC, former Cowboy player | Turbulence-maker, elite recruiter & motivator | No NFL experience, family ties |
| Lincoln Riley | USC/Oklahoma HC, QB developer | Air Raid skills, quarterback pedigree | NFL interest unclear |
| Steve Sarkisian | Texas HC, former NFL OC | Proven rebuilding, Texas ties | Stateful commitments in college |
| Urban Meyer, Rhule, Mullen | College head coaches | Varied strengths; leadership, QB development | NFL adaptability, past controversies |
✷ Final Take
While The Sun reports the possibility of Nick Saban taking over Dallas—which would undoubtedly be shocking—that narrative remains speculative with limited basis. The Deion Sanders storyline continues to attract the most substantive discussion, given his direct contact with Jones and shared history, although NFL inexperience and family-related constraints are significant caveats. Other elite college coaches remain potential targets, though team history suggests a preference for at least some NFL background.
Let me know if you’d like a deeper dive into any candidate’s coaching style, player development track record, or fit for the Cowboys’ roster.
