Latest Cowboys’ coaching hire has fans daydreaming about another massive addition
The Dallas Cowboys’ new cornerbacks coach could be the key to landing the best CB in the 2026 NFL Draft.
If there’s one thing we know about new Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker, it’s that he values defensive backs. He rose through the NFL ranks by coaching DBs and being the pass game coordinator for Vic Fangio’s defense with the Philadelphia Eagles. In the process, he developed three All-Pro corners: Patrick Surtain II, Quinyon Mitchell, and Cooper DeJean.
So it’s safe to bet his decision to hire Ryan Smith as cornerbacks coach isn’t one he took lightly. Smith’s a coach on the rise, and he’s someone who could help the Cowboys land one of the best defensive players in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Smith has ties to Mansoor Delane
Smith’s rise through the coaching ranks — which includes being named a “College Football Rising Star” by 24/7 Sports in 2020 — featured a big jump in 2020, when he joined Virginia Tech’s coaching staff to mentor Caleb Farley, who wound up a first-round pick. Smith’s good work yielded two things: He added pass game coordinator responsibilities, and he caught the attention of this year’s top cornerback in the 2026 NFL Draft, Mansoor Delane.
According to Tech Sideline, “Delane cited CB coach Ryan Smith and DC Justin Hamilton as big reasons he chose the Hokies.”
Delane would later head to LSU, and he’s now considered a surefire first-round pick thanks to his sticky coverage and high-IQ play in the SEC. Given Smith and Delane’s relationship, which has been noted by many fans and content creators online, Cowboys Nation is daydreaming about Delane being the pick at No. 12.
If it comes to that, the Cowboys would have a Day 1 starter at cornerback who looks like a game-changing piece. Stephen Jones admitted earlier in January that cornerback was among the Cowboys’ biggest needs.
Smith’s resume is strong
While Delane jumped to the SEC, Smith headed to the NFL in 2023. There, he found immediate success under then-Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon. He coached CB Antonio Hamilton Sr. to a career year. In 2024, the Cardinals had a standout defense, allowing only 19.6 points per game over the final 11 games of the season.
Gannon isn’t the only big name in Smith’s coaching background. Earlier in his coaching career, Smith coached under now-National Champion Curt Cignetti. Overall, Smith is a promising addition to Parker’s staff in Dallas.