FRISCO, Texas — Having taken a much more deliberate and thorough approach to naming the next defensive coordinator, largely due to head coach Brian Schottenheimer leading the process, a new era begins with Christian Parker leading the charge opposite Schottenheimer's often prolific offense, Matt Eberflus having been dismissed several weeks ago.
Parker joins the Cowboys after having spent a lot of time behind enemy lines, as the pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach of the Philadelphia Eagles over the past two seasons, his coaching experience also including three seasons with the Denver Broncos, and plenty more.
The fast-rising 34-year-old hit the ground running in meticulously building a defensive staff that features fellow fast-risers both from the NFL and collegiate ranks, and with the staff now finalized, here's a simple glimpse at the newest Cowboys' coaches for 2026 and, hopefully, beyond.
- Christian Parker - Defensive coordinator
- Ryan Smith - Cornerbacks coach
- Derrick Ansley - Pass game coordinator
- Marcus Dixon - Defensive line coach
- Demeitre Brim - Assistant defensive Line coach
- Chidera Uzo-Diribe - Outside LBs coach
- Scott Symons - Inside LBs coach
- Robert Muschamp - Assistant secondary coach
The group is a mixed back of experience and fresh, new ideas; of proven success at their respective level and of an ability to connect with players; and, most importantly, of the new guard in coaching. In all, Parker's staff was seemingly constructed in much the same way as Schottenheimer's offensive staff, be that by design or coincidence.
And speaking of Schottenheimer's staff, there were two small tweaks made that brought in two new faces in assistant roles.
- Kyle Fuller - Assistant OL/Quality control coach
- Stephen Bravo-Brown - Assistant WR coach
These new-hires round out the official coaching staff for the Cowboys, barring an unexpected change in the near future of some sort.
With the dust now settled within the coaching ranks, the Cowboys can now fully turn their attention toward NFL free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft, to build the defense with personnel Parker and Co. desire and need to achieve their mission of turning around Dallas' defense from the worst in the league, to hopefully something that's far, far better.
Kick the tires and light the fires, folks.
