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Cowboys Busy Rebuilding Defensive Staff During NFL Offseason
Dallas focuses on hiring new coordinator, filling assistant positions ahead of 2026 draft
Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:31pm
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The Dallas Cowboys have been busy during the NFL offseason, hiring a new defensive coordinator in Christian Parker and rebuilding their defensive coaching staff. They are conducting interviews to fill assistant positions while also evaluating talent at the Senior Bowl practices in preparation for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, where they hold two first-round picks.
Why it matters
The Cowboys are looking to improve their defense after a disappointing 2025 season, and the offseason moves are crucial to building a unit that can compete with the top defenses in the league. Hiring the right coordinator and assistants, as well as finding the right personnel through the draft, will be key to the team's success next season.
The details
The Cowboys have already made several moves, including hiring Parker as the new defensive coordinator and allowing four defensive assistants from 2025 to depart. They are also interviewing candidates to fill the vacant defensive line coaching job, including former Cowboys practice squad player Marcus Dixon. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer and Parker are leading the charge in rebuilding the defensive staff, with the goal of having it in place by the end of the week.
- The Cowboys hired Christian Parker as their new defensive coordinator.
- The team hosted the annual East-West Shrine Bowl practices and game this week.
- The Cowboys are currently in Mobile, Alabama for the Senior Bowl practices, which will be followed by the game on Saturday.
The players
Christian Parker
The Cowboys' new defensive coordinator, who is working with head coach Brian Schottenheimer to rebuild the team's defensive coaching staff.
Brian Schottenheimer
The Cowboys' head coach, who is leading the charge in rebuilding the defensive coaching staff alongside new coordinator Christian Parker.
Stephen Jones
The Cowboys' COO and co-owner, who has stated that the team's top priority this offseason is improving the defense and making it one of the top units in the league.
Marcus Dixon
A former Cowboys practice squad player who is now being interviewed for the team's vacant defensive line coaching job. Dixon has an interesting coaching career path, starting at his alma mater Hampton University before coaching with the Rams, Broncos, and Vikings.
What they’re saying
“The biggest thing, we want to get our personnel, we need to have the defense evolve into one of the top defenses in the league.”
— Stephen Jones, Cowboys COO and co-owner
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
The Cowboys are taking a proactive approach to rebuilding their defense this offseason, focusing on hiring the right coordinator and assistants as well as evaluating talent for the upcoming draft. Their goal is to transform the defense into one of the top units in the league, which will be crucial to their success in the 2026 season.
