The Dallas Cowboys are in the hunt for finding their next head coach. Team owner Jerry Jones has a big decision to make, and one surprising name has everyone talking—Deion “Prime Time” Sanders!
Yes, the Hall of Famer and former Cowboys star has spoken with Jones about the job. But is Sanders really going to be the next coach? Most NFL insiders don’t think so. They say it’s more about keeping the Cowboys in the headlines (classic Jerry Jones) than a real chance for Sanders. While Sanders has been doing well as a college coach in Colorado, many believe he’s not ready for the NFL just yet.
So, if not Deion Sanders, then who? Two other big names are in the running:
- Kellen Moore: The former Cowboys quarterback and coach is now the offensive coordinator for the Eagles. Moore knows the Cowboys inside and out and has a good shot at getting the job.
- Jason Witten: Cowboys legend and fan favorite! Witten’s coaching experience is limited to high school, but his strong connection to the team could make him a wild-card pick.
This coaching search started after Jones fired Mike McCarthy, who led the team since 2020. Despite three solid seasons with 12-5 records, playoff losses and a tough 2024 season (thanks to Dak Prescott’s injury) cost McCarthy his job.
With the Shrine Bowl happening soon in Dallas, Jones is likely to make his choice soon. Will it be Sanders, Moore, Witten, or someone else? Even players are starting to share their thoughts on Mike McCarthy no longer being head coach. While Micah Parsons and Dak Prescott have already chimed in, All-Pro kicker Brandon “Butter” Aubrey just added his voice to the conversation.
Brandon Aubrey would want Mike McCarthy back ‘in an ideal world’
McCarthy was the one who gave Aubrey his shot in the NFL, and the kicker hasn’t forgotten it. Speaking on the Kickin’ It With Dee podcast, Aubrey shared his admiration for McCarthy.
“I loved playing for Mike McCarthy; he’s been incredible for me,” Aubrey said. “Head coaches don’t usually affect kickers much, but when he sent me out for those long bombs with all the confidence in the world, it boosted my confidence too. In an ideal world, I’d want him back.”
Unfortunately for Aubrey—and others who supported McCarthy—the decision is final. As the Cowboys search for their next head coach, names like Deion Sanders, Kellen Moore, and even Pete Carroll are being tossed around. Whoever takes the job will have big shoes to fill and the pressure of earning the trust of players who respected McCarthy.
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Cowboys eyeing new addition in the offense
Meanwhile, the Cowboys are also looking to shake things up on offense after a subpar season, especially in the rushing game. With the team aiming to get back on track this offseason, the idea of trading for an established playmaker is starting to gain traction.
One name being heavily linked to the Cowboys is Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. According to Bleacher Report’s Maurice Moton, Etienne could be the perfect addition to Dallas’ offense. Last season, Etienne shared touches with rookie Tank Bigsby, and at times, he wasn’t getting the full workload he deserved. This has led to speculation that the Jaguars might be open to trading Etienne as he enters the final year of his contract.
Etienne is a dynamic player who could provide the Cowboys with the balanced, run-heavy attack they’ve been missing. In 2023, he scored 11 touchdowns on the ground and added one more through the air, showing his ability as a dual threat. With over 1,400 scrimmage yards in 2022 and 2023, Etienne has proven he can be a game-changer for any offense.
Trading for Etienne would be a more cost-effective move than drafting a running back in the first round. It would allow the Cowboys to address other needs with their top draft pick while strengthening their backfield. Pairing Etienne with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb could give the Cowboys an elite offensive trio and help the team bounce back to its high-scoring ways.