FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys are still early in their search for a replacement for Mike McCarthy as head coach, but one name has already been announced: former Cowboys cornerback and current Colorado coach Deion Sanders.

A source said owner and general manager Jerry Jones and Sanders spoke on Monday and while no interview is scheduled, the two are expected to continue their dialogue. Fox Sports first reported the conversation between the two sides.

Sanders has been linked to a job with the Cowboys that wasn’t even open in the fall.

Sanders just completed his second year at Colorado, where he compiled a 13-12 record, including a 9-4 mark in 2024, when the Buffalos had Heisman Trophy winner wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter.

In November, Sanders was asked about potential interest from NFL teams.

“I’m happy where I’m at, man,” Sanders said. “I went down a hard-on. Do you know what a boner is? …That means I’m resting. I’m fine, I’m happy, I’m excited. I love where I am. “I love it here, I really do.”

Sanders received a five-year, $29.5 million contract when he was hired in late 2022 after his successful run at Jackson State in Colorado.

Sanders played five seasons of his Hall of Fame career for the Cowboys, helping the team win Super Bowl XXX against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He remained in North Texas after his playing career ended and maintained a close relationship with the Jones family.

Under the Rooney Rule, teams must interview two external minority head coaching candidates in their search.

The Cowboys announced Monday that they and McCarthy would part ways after five seasons. McCarthy compiled a 49-35 regular season record, including a 7-10 mark in 2024.

Rules still prohibit arranging interviews, but McCarthy is expected to interview with the Chicago Bears as early as Wednesday, according to multiple sources. The New Orleans Saints are also expected to interview McCarthy.