By Loveth 
There’s already speculation about big coaching changes in the NFL for 2026, and Deion Sanders’ name is at the center of it. If the New York Giants or Miami Dolphins struggle this season, both teams could be on the hunt for a new head coach—and “Primetime” might be a top target. But snagging Sanders from his current job at Colorado won’t come cheap.
Giants’ Daboll and Dolphins’ McDaniel Under Pressure
Brian Daboll is feeling the heat in New York. After a solid first season in 2022, where he led the Giants to the playoffs, things have gone downhill fast. The team has won just nine games over the last two seasons, and tensions with players and staff aren’t helping his case. If things don’t turn around in 2025, he could be out.
Meanwhile, Miami’s Mike McDaniel is in a better spot but isn’t completely safe. He’s had success with the Dolphins, but his loyalty to often-injured quarterback Tua Tagovailoa could be a problem. If Miami falls short of an AFC Championship appearance, McDaniel could be on the chopping block.
That brings us to Deion Sanders, whose name will likely pop up if either team is looking for a new leader. However, his contract situation at Colorado makes things complicated.
What It Would Take to Get Deion Sanders
Sanders just signed a five-year, $54 million extension with Colorado, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in college football. That also means any NFL team wanting to hire him has to pay a hefty buyout.
According to NFL Network’s Matthew Bubar, here’s how the buyout breaks down:
If Sanders leaves before Dec. 31, 2025, he owes Colorado $12 million
If he leaves in 2026, the number drops to $10 million
In 2027, it’s $6 million
In 2028, it’s $4 million
In 2029, it’s $3 million
If the Giants decide to fire Daboll early and pursue Sanders before the end of the year, they’d have to shell out $12 million. But if they wait until early 2026, it would cost $10 million.
For now, it’s all speculation. But if the Giants or Dolphins struggle, don’t be surprised if Sanders’ name starts making headlines in NFL coaching rumors.