It took Jerry Jones two days to make Mike McCarthy the Cowboys HC after deciding to end Jason Garrett’s nine-year tenure in 2020. Five years on, Jones faces the same task, but this time the decision isn’t that swift. Following McCarthy’s departure on January 13, the rumor mill has started churning over who will take the hot seat in Dallas and try to end the franchise’s long wait for Super Bowl success. One of the names heavily linked is the person involved in the Cowboys’ last Lombardi Trophy win- Deion Sanders.

Dallas might not be big enough to hold Jerry Jones and Deion Sanders on the same team. Yet, the rumors and odds are getting stronger by the day. Both Jones and Sanders share a healthy relationship, and Coach Prime’s association with the franchise and the work he has done with the Buffs make him an ideal fit. However, another candidate, Eagles OC Kellen Moore, has emerged.

Sanders was installed as the bookmakers favorite for the role, but Moore’s entry into the fray has turned the tables. On Friday, Moore interviewed virtually with the Cowboys and has moved ahead as the favorite on DraftKings (-125) for the opening in Dallas. Despite this, Michael Irvin has urged Jones to look at Sanders for the job.

Irvin passionately endorsed Jones’ “solo mission” to secure a head coach capable of reshaping the Cowboys’ legacy on Speak on FS1. “This is a critical point, because where the Cowboys is in 30 years. And no matter what head coach comes in this goes across your neck right now. So you gotta be a man first that is willing to take all of that, that’s coming with it and go take over this thing,” His main pitch for the task?

“Jerry at this age, at this stage, and maybe willing to make that move and bring in Deion. I mean, we got a movie coming out. We got a black Captain America. Nothing wrong with having a black head coach of ‘America’s team.’ It’s time.”

Coach Prime has already revitalized Colorado football. He has proved his ability to build a winning culture. Taking over a 1-11 program, Sanders improved them 4-8 in his first season, before finishing with a 9-4 record this season and a bowl game for the first time since 2020. But the big question is whether he will be able to co-exist with Jones.

Jones is known for overshadowing his HC with his larger-than-life personality, radio appearances where he talks about the team’s affairs, and a final say in the team decisions. It is something that Sanders will have to bear with if indeed he decides to take the job. However, so far Sanders has remained steadfast in his commitment to the Buffaloes.

Last month, Sanders said he sees his future in Boulder. “I love where I am. I’m elated where I am. I’m happy where I am. I can’t wait to see what the future beholds with where I am. I love Boulder, Colorado. I have every intention, every plan in the world to be coaching for the Colorado Buffs from here on. I want to finish here,” Sanders said.

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The idea of Deion Sanders coaching the Cowboys gained steam after his candid remarks about Jerry Jones. Speaking to ESPN, Sanders revealed that he had a conversation with Jones over the Cowboys HC role. “To hear from Jerry Jones is truly delightful, and it’s intriguing. I love Jerry and believe in Jerry. After you hang up, and process it, and think about it, it’s intriguing. But I love Boulder and everything there is about our team, the coaches, our student body, and the community.” 

The last time the Cowboys paired a big personality like Deion’s with Jones, it led to championship gold in 1993. Just to make it clear, that’s a reference to Jimmy Johnson. The chances for Sanders to remain in Boulder are high, but a new report suggests that there is something brewing.

According to Jane Slater of NFL Media, Sanders was met with resistance from Colorado athletic director Rick George when he approached him about investing more money into the program’s NIL as well as his coaching staff. It is possible that Sanders is using the interest from the Cowboys as leverage to get a better extension deal from Colorado. But his comments on GMA suggest the door remains ajar for a move to the NFL.

“The only way I would consider is to coach my sons. Not son. Sons,” he said. Yes, it is an improbable proposition, but the possibility remains. But it is Kellen Moore who appears to be in driving seat right now.

Kellen Moore: the silent contender

Despite the Deion buzz, Kellen Moore has quietly emerged as a favorite for the Cowboys’ head coach role. The current Eagles offensive coordinator has built a reputation for innovative play-calling. While Moore lacks Deion’s charisma, his familiarity with Dallas from his previous stint makes him a safer bet. Plus, signing him would be really sticking it to their bitter divisional rivals.

Moore is reportedly Dallas’ first official interviewee of the postseason. Jerry Jones values results but isn’t immune to the spectacle. Moore’s reserved personality could fit Jerry’s preference for head coaches who let the owner take the spotlight. Moore’s approach might align better with Jones’ vision of control. Unlike the high-profile exits of Jimmy Johnson and Bill Parcells.

Draft Kings placed Sanders at +175 and was the betting favorite earlier this week. But Moore is now the top name to land the gig. While there are other names in the fray it seems Moore and Sanders are involved in the tug of war right now.

Given Jones’s history of late decisions and urgency with which he hired McCarthy, don’t expect him to jump the gun. For now, all eyes remain on JerryWorld. Will Jones opt for the familiarity of Moore or gamble on the electrifying potential of Coach Prime? Whatever the decision, Michael Irvin’s phone—and the rumor mill—won’t stop buzzing.