The Dallas Cowboys named Marcus Dixon as their defensive line coach for the 2026 season under new Defensive Coordinator Christian Parker. Dixon, who originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Cowboys in 2008, brings five years of NFL coaching experience to Dallas.

The Dallas Cowboys named Marcus Dixon as their defensive line coach for the 2026 season under new Defensive Coordinator Christian Parker. Dixon, who originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Cowboys in 2008, brings five years of NFL coaching experience to Dallas.

Dixon comes to Dallas after spending the last two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings in the same role. In 2025 Dixon's unit spearheaded a defense that tied for fourth in the NFL in sacks (49) and ranked second in tackles for loss (107). As a defensive unit, Minnesota's defense ranked second league wide in passing yards allowed-per-game (158.5), tied for second in forced fumbles (16), third in yards allowed- per-game (282.6) and yards allowed-per-play (4.69).

In Dixon's first season with Minnesota, he helped the Vikings to a 14-3 regular season record, the second-most wins in team history. His defensive line excelled in Brian Flores' defense, limiting opponents to an average of 93.5 rushing yards-per-game and just five runs of 20-plus yards in 2024, both of which were the second-fewest marks in the NFL. The Vikings defense also led the league in interceptions (24), passes defensed (95) and opponent fourth down conversion percentage (37.1%).

Prior to Minnesota, Dixon spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons as the defensive line coach for the Denver Broncos. He worked with then-defensive backs coach Parker for both seasons in Denver.

While in Denver in 2023, Dixon coached a defensive line that helped the Broncos record a league-leading 15 fumble recoveries, the highest mark for the franchise since 2007 (16). The Broncos defensive line also helped limit opponents to a 33.2% success rate on third downs, the second-lowest percentage league wide in 2023.

During Dixon's first season with the Broncos, his defensive line helped Denver rank seventh in total defense (320.0 yards-per-game) and 10th in rushing defense (109.8 yards-per-game).

Entering the NFL coaching ranks with the LA Rams in 2021, Dixon served as the assistant defensive line coach while helping the team to a victory in Super Bowl LVI. In his one season with the Rams, Dixon helped the team sport the sixth-best rushing defense in the NFL (103.2 yards-per-game) while ranking third in sacks (50). During the LA Rams' postseason run, the Rams defensive line helped the team rank first in rushing defense (60.3) and sacks (12). In Super Bowl LVI, the Rams collected seven sacks en route to a 23-20 win over Cincinnati.

Before entering the NFL, Dixon began his coaching career at his alma mater Hampton University (2017-19), where he was a four-year starter on the defensive line from 2004-07. he coached the defensive line at Hampton in 2017 and added the role of Director of Player Development prior to the 2018 season. In his third year with the Pirates, Dixon led the defensive line while also serving as the recruiting coordinator.

Dixon played in the NFL for six seasons as a defensive lineman. He entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Dallas Cowboys in 2008, where he was on the practice squad for two seasons. Dixon made the active roster with the New York Jets and played three seasons (2010-12), appearing in 22 games with 21 tackles, 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble and fumble recovery.

A native of Rome, Ga., Dixon and his wife , Tesa (Tee-sa), have three children: Rhylee, Madylin and Zoë Olyvia.