Add Steve Mariucci to the chorus of sports media figures attempting to will the Deion Sanders-Dallas Cowboys marriage into existence. On NFL Network’s NFL GameDay on Saturday, discussion shifted to the Cowboys’ head coach search, prompting host Rich Eisen to ask, “Who should be the next Cowboys head coach?”
Mariucci theatrically turned to the video board behind him, highlighting Sanders and Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott alongside team owner Jerry Jones. “See that guy over there?” Mariucci remarked, pointing at Sanders. “There are a lot of other good candidates. … there’s a lot of great candidates Jerry can choose from. Some people might think this is crazy because he has no coaching experience in the NFL, but he’s coached at a very high level in college. I’ve seen him relate to the kids and the respect he commands is incredible.”
Mariucci emphasized that Sanders would introduce a new “culture” to the team, stating, “He wouldn’t call the plays on offense or defenses; he would manage the game. He would be responsible for the culture in that locker room. When ‘Prime’ is in charge, he instills values in his young men, such as respect for women and the game. He teaches how to be a great human being. This would be awesome if Jerry said, ‘Hey, he’s one of our own, we are America’s Team.’ If he got the opportunity and they joined forces, it would be exciting to watch. He could do it.”
“I know that if he got the opportunity and if they joined forces, this would be awesome to watch. He could do it.” NFL Network’s @SteveMariucci endorses the idea of @DeionSanders as the Cowboys’ next head coach. pic.twitter.com/hgQr70rpbn
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 18, 2025
That’s the kind of glowing endorsement job seekers everywhere dream of while on the market. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported earlier this week that there is “mutual interest” between Sanders and the Cowboys after parting ways with Mike McCarthy. If Sanders, who earned four All-Pro nods in five seasons as a Cowboys defensive back, heads to Dallas, it would be enormous news. Not surprisingly, the topic has dominated sports media this week, unlike any NFL story since Aaron Rodgers joined the New York Jets.
“Kellen Moore is somebody that knows the Cowboys organization and everything tells you that he’s in play for this job.. Jerry Jones could take a big swing and go get Deion Sanders.. The Cowboys are in no rush to make a decision” @AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/1l0IG65bih
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 17, 2025
Some sports media stars have voiced their approval, including Troy Aikman, Sanders’ former teammate. Aikman mentioned, “I think he’d be fantastic … I’m a big fan, and I would never bet against him.” Is this a genuine endorsement from Troy or just a friend backing a friend? pic.twitter.com/r1oZMhTIXz
✭ Troy Aikman has given his thoughts on Deion Sanders coaching in Dallas and it may not be what you expected!
— The Cowboy Regg ✭ (@Irish_Cowboy88) January 17, 2025
However, is it all just chatter? Ian Rapoport reported on GameDay Saturday that while Sanders and Jones have had discussions, “there has been no interview.” He expressed skepticism, stating, “I would be surprised if an interview ever happens, not saying it’s impossible, but I will be surprised.”
From @NFLGameDay: A look at where the #Cowboys HC search stands… including that there is not yet an interview with #Colorado coach Deion Sanders on the horizon. pic.twitter.com/TeUhT00qI3
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 18, 2025
That report may slow the Sanders-to-Dallas hype train, although Mariucci seemed eager to hop on board Saturday.
