Cowboys legend Deion Sanders reacts to Shaq’s coaching plea

The Dallas Cowboys have had some head coaching woes in the past several years. This last season was no exception. Despite Mike McCarthy leading Dallas to a 12-5 season, he was constantly criticized for his clock management and game plan. Plus, his inability to get the Cowboys past the Wild Card Round put the former Packers coach on the hot seat.

We now know that McCarthy is returning for the 2022 season. But before that, his future was certainly up in the air. Fans and analysts criticized his choices and felt he didn’t deserve another season in Dallas. Owner Jerry Jones initially refused to confirm the head coach’s future with the team and instead dangled his name around like bait which was supposedly done in an effort to keep defensive coordinator Dan Quinn around. Who knows what of that is actually true.

Then, when Sean Payton retired, the rumors were buzzing again. Could Payton, a man long-admired by Jones, be the next head coach of the Cowboys?

McCarthy even admitted that Jones spoke to the head coach about the Payton narrative, which seemed wildly inappropriate. While all of this was happening, several people were stating who they thought would be the best next head coach for Dallas. Cowboys fan and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal was one person who weighed in.

As we previously reported, Shaq felt the best answer was for Deion Sanders to coach the Cowboys. That was about a month ago. On Thursday, The Spun released a Q&A article with the former Cowboy and current Jackson State University head coach. In the interview, Sanders said he “has no desire to coach in the NFL,” but was flattered by O’Neal’s comments. That’s a big bummer for Shaq and for Cowboys Nation.

Hall of Famer Deion Sanders declines Shaquille O’Neal’s suggestion that he should be the Dallas Cowboys head coach

We appreciate Shaq looking out for the Cowboys, but it appears that “Coach Prime” is very satisfied with his HBCU coaching job. The Spun asked Sanders if he was honored to hear what Shaq had to say about him. Here was the coach’s response:

"“Yes. First of all, it shows he’s watching and is well-aware of what we’re accomplishing at Jackson State. That’s a tremendous blessing not just for me, but for us. He’s a friend, and I’m thankful for him. We didn’t even discuss it. I’m thankful he mentioned me, but I have no desire to coach in the NFL.”"

For now, McCarthy has a chance to redeem himself in 2022. If he doesn’t, maybe Sanders will have changed his mind by then.

If not, the Cowboys may have to pry Payton away from the FOX broadcast booth.