Justin Casterline/Getty Images

Nick Saban Knows Who The Cowboys Should Hire As Head Coach

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Jan 21, 2025 6:00 PM ET

The Dallas Cowboys are looking for a new head coach, and Nick Saban knows just the guy.

Last Monday, the Cowboys officially moved on from Mike McCarthy as head coach after five seasons. McCarthy went 12-5 three years in a row from 2021-23, but finished 7-10 in 2024. After he and Jerry Jones had some conversations after the end of the season, the two sides agreed it was best to part ways.

"Throughout Mike McCarthy's tenure here, including the last several weeks, I have been very complimentary of the job he has done. That has applied to our record over that time period, our team unity and culture, Mike's qualifications and track record of success, and on a personal level as a tremendous human being," Jones said in a statement. "I have great respect for Mike, and he has led the team through some very unique and challenging times during his tenure."

One coaching candidate who has been linked to the Cowboys opening is Colorado head coach Deion Sanders. A franchise legend who won a Super Bowl with Dallas in 1995, Sanders had a preliminary conversation with Jones last week.

While things have been quiet since then, Saban said on the latest episode of "The Pivot Podcast" that he wants his close friend Sanders to become the next Cowboys head coach.

“Me and Deion,” Saban said. “I want him to get that job.”

BOULDER, COLORADO - NOVEMBER 29: Head coach Deion Sanders of the Colorado Buffaloes looks on during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Folsom Field on November 29, 2024 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)Andrew Wevers/Getty Images

That's a major endorsement for Coach Prime, but it ultimately might not mean anything. NFL insider Ian Rapoport previously reported that the Pro Football Hall of Famer is unlikely to even receive a formal interview.

Right now, the Cowboys are entertaining several other options for head coach, including former offensive coordinator and backup quarterback Kellen Moore, currently the offensive coordinator with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Meanwhile, the team's current OC, Brian Schottenheimer, interviewed for the job on Tuesday and has " momentum" in the search, according to multiple reports.

Sanders is coming off a season in which he went 9-4 and led Colorado to the Alamo Bowl.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: