Scott Symons was named the Dallas Cowboys inside linebackers coach for the 2026 season, bringing 18 years of collegiate coaching experience to the defensive staff.
Symons spent the previous four seasons (2022-25) as the defensive coordinator at SMU, where he helped guide the Mustangs to a 38-16 record during that span. In 2025 SMU ranked in the top-25 in FBS in several defensive categories, including takeaways (fifth), red zone defense (fifth), interceptions (eighth) and rushing defense (19th).
The 2024 season saw SMU's defense reach new heights, advancing to the program's first College Football Playoff along with an undefeated record in the program's inaugural ACC season. Symons' defense was elite in all phases during the Mustangs historic season, ranking in the top-10 nationally in defensive touchdowns (fifth), rushing defense (seventh) and sacks (10th).
Before SMU, Symons spent three seasons as the defensive coordinator at Liberty, also working with safeties and linebackers. In 2020, he helped the Flames to a 10-1 record and a No. 17 ranking in the final AP poll. He was named to the Broyles Award Watch List after calling a defense that finished 11th in the nation in total defense (317.7 ypg).
Symons spent the 2018 season as inside linebackers coach at Memphis, where he helped the Tigers appear in the American Athletic Conference Championship game.
He also held defensive coordinator roles at West Georgia (2014-17) and Arkansas Tech (2013) after beginning his Division I career at Arkansas State in 2012 as a defensive quality control coach, working alongside current SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee.
Symons began his coaching career at Harding, where he served in a variety of roles while also earning his master's degree in kinesiology.
He earned his bachelor's degree in history from Lindenwood in 2008.
Symons and his wife, Kristen, have four children -- Peyton, Hudson, Rhett and Logan.
