Cowboys Eyeing Texas Tech Coach for Defensive Assistant Role

Dallas looking to bolster defensive staff after struggles in 2025 season

Feb. 1, 2026 at 5:47pm

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The Dallas Cowboys are looking to reinvent their defensive coaching staff after a disappointing 2025 season, and have recently interviewed Texas Tech outside linebackers coach C.J. Ah You for a defensive assistant position. The Cowboys fired defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus after the season and have already hired Philadelphia Eagles DBs coach Christian Parker as the new leader of the unit, and Ah You could be another key addition to the staff.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' defense struggled mightily in 2025, and the team is looking to make significant changes to improve the unit. Hiring the right defensive coaching staff will be crucial as they look to bounce back and compete in the NFC East.

The details

According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Cowboys interviewed Ah You on Friday for their open outside linebackers coaching position. Ah You is also set to interview with the Pittsburgh Steelers for a similar role. As a former NFL defensive end, Ah You is considered a well-respected coach who could be a valuable addition to the Cowboys' staff as they look to rebuild their defense.

  • The Cowboys interviewed Ah You on Friday, February 1, 2026.

The players

C.J. Ah You

The outside linebackers coach at Texas Tech University, Ah You is a former NFL defensive end who is now considered a well-respected college coach.

Matt Eberflus

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

Christian Parker

The new defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, hired after previously serving as the defensive backs coach for the Philadelphia Eagles.

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What they’re saying

“Texas Tech outside linebackers coach C.J. Ah You is set to interview Tuesday for the OLB job with the Steelers, per source. A former NFL defensive end, Ah You also interviewed Friday with the Cowboys.”

— Tom Pelissero, NFL Network Reporter (NFL Network)

What’s next

The Cowboys will continue to evaluate Ah You and other candidates as they look to finalize their defensive coaching staff for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Cowboys' defensive struggles in 2025 have prompted significant changes to their coaching staff, as they look to bring in new talent and expertise to help turn the unit around. Hiring the right defensive assistants will be crucial for the team's success moving forward.