Dallas Cowboys defensive coaches tracker: New DC looking at coach who helped develop T.J. Watt
Christian Parker is building his defensive coaching staff in Dallas. Here’s who the Cowboys are looking at.
New defensive coordinator Christian Parker hopes his Dallas Cowboys tenure lasts longer than Matt Eberflus’ one-year run.
To do that, he needs to put together the right staff. So far, it’s become clear he’s overhauling the staff Eberflus left behind. Below is a full tracker of Parker’s defensive staff, including an initial four departures in less than a week as coordinator.
Cowboys defensive coaches tracker
Signings
- Ryan Smith, secondary coach (previously CB coach for Arizona Cardinals).
- Derrick Ansley, defensive pass game coordinator / defensive backs coach (previously same role for Green Bay Packers)
- Marcus Dixon, defensive line coach (previously same role for Minnesota Vikings)
- Chidera Uzo-Diribe, outside linebackers coach (previously same role for Georgia Bulldogs)
Departures:
- DL coach Aaron Whitecotton to sign as defensive coordinator for Tennessee Titans
- Andre Curtis, defensive pass game coordinator
- David Overstreet II, secondary/cornerbacks coach
- Dave Borgonzi, linebackers coach
Interviews
- Denzel Martin, Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebackers coach – interviewing for same position.
- Marcus Dixon, former Minnesota Vikings defensive line coach – interviewing for same position.
- Zach Orr, former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator – interviewing for linebacker position.
- Ronnell Williams, Philadelphia Eagles assistant LBs coach
- Shane Bowen, former New York Giants defensive coordinator
- Robert Livingston, Colorado defensive coordinator
- C.J. Ah You, Texas Tech OLB coach
- Eric Henderson, USC co-defensive coordinator, run game coordinator.
Denzel Martin in particular is a name to keep a close eye on as he’s largely responsible for developing four-time first-team All-Pro and 2021 Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt. With the Cowboys being in dire need of a solid pass rush, landing someone like Martin could be a huge win for the likes of young DE Donovan Ezeiruaku.
What to expect from Parker
As a first-time coordinator, the truth is we don’t know what Parker’s scheme will look like in 2026. What we do know is it’s likely to emphasize many of the staples of a Vic Fangio defense, in which he worked for over the last couple of years. Specifically, I would expect plenty of emphasis on defending the run from a two-high shell, and plenty of versatility in coverages used from week to week.
What matters the most, however, is Parker’s ability to adapt to the players he has. That’s what ended up driving Eberflus out of town. If Parker can find ways to maximize the talent on the roster, he’s guaranteed to do better.
But first things first: Having the right staff to work with.