Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer during training camp at the River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, California. Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

Former top Cowboys assistant in mix for Deion Sanders' Colorado football staff

Originally posted on Dallas Cowboys on SI
By Josh Sanchez | Last updated Jul 10, 2025 7:42 AM ET

Former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is still waiting for his next gig after being replaced by Matt Eberflus on Brian Schottenheimer's coaching staff, but the wait could soon be over.

During Big 12 Media Days in Frisco, Texas, this week, Colorado Buffaloes football coach Deion Sanders said he's "waiting" to hear from Zimmer about joining the Buffs' staff.

Coach Prime also revealed he has reached out to former NFL quarterback and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich.

WATCH: Dallas Cowboys legend visits Deion Sanders at Big 12 Media Days

"Praying Byron Lefwich and Mike Zimmer do the right thing," Sanders said.

Coach Prime at Big 12 Media Day: “Praying Byron Lefwich and Mike Zimmer do the right thing.”

Sounds like Boulder might be getting even more NFL coaching experience this fall. Stay tuned. #CFB #CoachPrime #SkoBuffs pic.twitter.com/oW4fUX712M
— Ossacin’s Ducktail (@OssacinDucktail) July 9, 2025

Since taking over at the University of Colorado, Sanders has done a great job at adding former NFL players and coaches to his staff, which has paid off with recruiting.

Zimmer would also bring a level of discipline to the Colorado defense, that the Cowboys benefitted from last season, ranking last in the league for first downs given up by penalty.

most 1st downs awarded due to 3rd down penalties by a team's defense

19 - WAS
18
17
16 - TEN
15 - CIN
14 - LAR, NE
13 - NYG, BUF
12 - BAL, DEN, PHI
11 - JAX, MIN
10 - KC, LV, DET
9 - GB, NYJ, CAR
8 - TB, SEA
7 - ARI
6 - IND, NO, SF
5 - PIT, CHI, HOU, LAC, MIA
4 - CLE, ATL, DAL…
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) July 10, 2025

What Zimmer's exact role in Colorado would be remains to be seen, but there is no denying he could make an immediate impact.

We'll have to see how everything plays out for Coach Prime in Colorado as they prepare for the upcoming season, which kicks off on August 29 in Boulder against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.

This article first appeared on Dallas Cowboys on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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