Deion Sanders confirmed to ESPN that he has spoken to Cowboys owner Jerry Jones about the head coaching job, calling it an “intriguing” scenario on Monday night.

“Hearing about Jerry Jones is really gratifying and fascinating,” Sanders, Colorado’s head coach, told ESPN. “I love Jerry and believe in Jerry. When you put it on, process it and think about it, it’s fascinating. But I love Boulder and everything it has to do with our team, the coaches, our student body and the community.”

Sanders’ comments to ESPN followed a report earlier in the night that he and Jones had discussed the job, which officially opened Monday after Mike McCarthy and Dallas parted ways just before the longtime coach was set to become a free agent – and other teams, the Saints and the Bears, could pounce too.

But with the hiring cycle already underway and teams already interviewing top coordinators before the divisional round of the playoffs begins, the Cowboys are behind the other six teams — the Jets, Bears, Saints, Raiders and Jaguars — who still have open positions have positions.

Previously, despite rumors and speculation that he might move to the NFL, Sanders remained loyal to a Colorado program that he resurrected after taking office in 2023.

He said last week that the only scenario in which he would leave is to coach his two sons.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that Sanders had “very strong interest” in opening for the Raiders, but The Athletic later added that the team had “no interest” in bringing him in to replace Antonio Pierce.

While Sanders led the Buffaloes for two years, they posted a 13-12 record and earned a berth in the Alamo Bowl this season.

Sanders’ youngest son, Shedeur, played quarterback and is also expected to be a top pick in April’s NFL draft.

During a long playing career that eventually led to the Hall of Fame, Sanders spent five seasons – and won one of his two Super Bowl titles – as a defensive back and receiver for the Cowboys.

And until the Cowboys officially hire their next coach, the Sanders variable will continue to be top of mind — especially after Monday’s phone call with Jones.