Dallas Cowboys Reveal Full Coaching Staff for 2026 NFL Season

The Dallas Cowboys' coaching staff for next season includes some new faces and interesting names.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The Dallas Cowboys have undergone some major changes to the coaching staff to kick off the NFL offseason. The first year under head coach Brian Schottenheimer featured some highs and lows, but it was ultimately a major disappointment to miss the playoffs once again. As a result, changes had to be made, particularly on defense. The Cowboys fired defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus and replaced him with Philadelphia Eagles defensive backs coach Christian Parker, who is already being viewed as a solid hire by Jerry Jones and the front office.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' coaching staff overhaul is a crucial step in their quest to return to the playoffs after missing out last season. With new faces like Christian Parker leading the defense, the team is hoping to capitalize on their talented roster and secure a postseason berth in 2026.

The details

Klayton Adams is the team's offensive coordinator for the second straight season with Parker now leading the defense. Nick Sorensen also returns as the special teams coordinator. Including Parker, there are 11 new faces on the staff for next season. Parker has already made it clear that his defensive scheme will be multiple, featuring a 3-4 base with 4-3 and 4-2-5 nickel looks.

  • The Dallas Cowboys revealed their full 2026 coaching staff on February 19, 2026.

The players

Brian Schottenheimer

The head coach of the Dallas Cowboys for the 2026 NFL season.

Matt Eberflus

The former defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys who was fired after the 2025 season.

Christian Parker

The new defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys, hired away from the Philadelphia Eagles.

Klayton Adams

The offensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys for the second straight season.

Nick Sorensen

The special teams coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys, who is returning for the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“The first thing is we're going to be multiple. I think that whenever you form a defensive structure, it's about the players that you have. So our core principles, we'll be a 3-4 by nature, but 4-3 spacing will be appropriate, 4-2-5 in nickel, different front structures, coverages behind it. But I will say being multiple is probably the most important thing about it.”

— Christian Parker, Defensive Coordinator (Dallas Cowboys Public Relations)

What’s next

Anything short of securing a playoff berth next season would be considered a failure for the Cowboys. There's no shortage of talent across the roster, but now it's up to both the players and coaches to put together a collective effort that results in postseason success.

The takeaway

The Cowboys' coaching staff overhaul, highlighted by the hiring of defensive coordinator Christian Parker, is a critical step in the team's quest to return to the playoffs after a disappointing 2025 season. With a talented roster and a renewed focus on defensive versatility, the Cowboys are hoping their new-look coaching staff can help the team reach its full potential in 2026.