Cowboys Add Scott Symons as Inside Linebackers Coach

Veteran college coach joins Dallas staff for first NFL job

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Dallas Cowboys have hired Scott Symons as their new inside linebackers coach. Symons spent the last four seasons as defensive coordinator and safeties coach at SMU, and has previous experience at several other college programs, but this will be his first job in the NFL.

Why it matters

The Cowboys are looking to improve their defense after a disappointing 2025 season, and the addition of Symons as an experienced college coach could help strengthen their linebacking corps.

The details

Symons has over a decade of coaching experience at the college level, including stints as a defensive assistant at Arizona State, Arkansas Tech, West Georgia, Memphis, and Liberty. He spent the last four seasons as defensive coordinator and safeties coach at SMU.

  • Symons was hired by the Cowboys on February 13, 2026.

The players

Scott Symons

Veteran college coach who was hired by the Dallas Cowboys as their new inside linebackers coach.

Dallas Cowboys

NFL team based in Dallas, Texas that has hired Scott Symons as their new inside linebackers coach.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're excited to add Scott to our defensive coaching staff. His experience and expertise will be a valuable asset as we look to improve our linebacking corps.”

— Mike McCarthy, Head Coach, Dallas Cowboys (nbcsports.com)

What’s next

Symons will begin working with the Cowboys' inside linebackers when the team's offseason program starts in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The Cowboys are bringing in a seasoned college coach in Scott Symons to help shore up their defense, as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season and return to the playoffs.