2 Cowboys Assistants Could Become Head Coach Candidates in 2026

Offensive coordinator Klayton Adams and defensive coordinator Christian Parker are on the rise.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Klayton Adams and defensive coordinator Christian Parker are drawing attention as potential head coaching candidates in 2026 if they continue to excel in their current roles. Adams, a 43-year-old run game specialist, has already turned down an interview request from the Eagles. Parker, 34, is a rising defensive mind who has a big opportunity to turn around the Cowboys' defense next season.

Why it matters

The Cowboys have struggled in recent years, and the performance of their coaching staff next season could determine the future of the franchise. If Adams and Parker are able to elevate the team's offense and defense, they will likely become hot commodities for head coaching jobs around the league.

The details

Klayton Adams joined the Cowboys in 2025 as the offensive coordinator after previous stints with the Colts and Cardinals. In his first season in Dallas, the team's run game success skyrocketed. The 43-year-old is known for his expertise on the offensive line and running game. Meanwhile, 34-year-old Christian Parker was hired as the Cowboys' defensive coordinator this offseason after coaching defensive backs for the Broncos and Eagles. He has built an impressive staff and is expected to turn around the team's historically bad defense.

  • In January 2026, the Eagles requested to interview Klayton Adams for their offensive coordinator job, but the Cowboys blocked the request.
  • The 2026 NFL season will be Klayton Adams' second as the Cowboys' offensive coordinator and Christian Parker's first as the team's defensive coordinator.

The players

Klayton Adams

A 43-year-old offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys who is known for his expertise on the offensive line and running game. He previously coached for the Colts and Cardinals.

Christian Parker

A 34-year-old defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys who has quickly risen through the coaching ranks, previously coaching defensive backs for the Broncos and Eagles.

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What they’re saying

“The Eagles requested to interview Cowboys OC Klayton Adams for their offensive coordinator job but Dallas blocked the request, per league sources.”

— Jeremy Fowler (ESPN)

What’s next

If the Cowboys' offense and defense both improve significantly in the 2026 season, Klayton Adams and Christian Parker will likely become top head coaching candidates in the 2027 offseason.

The takeaway

The performance of the Cowboys' coaching staff next season, particularly their young offensive and defensive coordinators, will be crucial in determining the future direction of the franchise. If Adams and Parker are able to elevate the team's units, they could be in high demand for head coaching jobs around the league.