Cowboys Hire SMU Defensive Coordinator as Inside Linebackers Coach

Scott Symons joins Christian Parker's defensive staff in Dallas

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Dallas Cowboys have hired SMU defensive coordinator Scott Symons as their new inside linebackers coach. Symons has served as SMU's defensive coordinator and safeties coach for the past four years, earning Broyles Award nominations in the last three seasons. In 2024, he helped lead SMU to their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance.

Why it matters

The Cowboys are undergoing a defensive staff overhaul under new coordinator Christian Parker, and Symons' hire represents another key addition to that unit. Symons brings a strong track record of defensive success at the college level, which the Cowboys hope will translate to the NFL as they look to improve on a defense that struggled at times in recent seasons.

The details

In his four seasons at SMU, Symons helped the Mustangs' defense finish fifth in the nation in turnovers gained, fifth in red zone defense, eighth in passes intercepted, 19th in rushing defense, and 23rd in sacks this past season. He was a nominee for the prestigious Broyles Award, given to the top assistant coach in college football, in each of the last three years.

  • Symons has served as SMU's defensive coordinator and safeties coach for the past four years.
  • In 2024, he helped lead SMU to their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance.

The players

Scott Symons

The new inside linebackers coach for the Dallas Cowboys, who previously served as the defensive coordinator and safeties coach at SMU for the past four seasons.

Christian Parker

The new defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, who is overseeing a defensive staff overhaul.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to add Scott to our defensive staff. His track record of success at the college level, particularly in developing talented defenses, makes him a great fit to help us improve on that side of the ball.”

— Jerry Jones, Owner, Dallas Cowboys (Cowboys Press Release)

What’s next

Symons will join the Cowboys' coaching staff immediately and begin working with the team's inside linebackers as they prepare for the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

The Cowboys are making a concerted effort to upgrade their defensive coaching staff this offseason, and the addition of Scott Symons as the new inside linebackers coach is another key step in that process. Symons' strong track record at the college level should provide a boost to a Cowboys defense that has struggled at times in recent years.