Cowboys Finalize Defensive Coaching Staff Under Christian Parker

The newest era of the Cowboys' defensive staff, led by Christian Parker, has been finalized.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Dallas Cowboys have finalized their defensive coaching staff for the 2026 season, with Christian Parker taking over as the new defensive coordinator. Parker joins the team after serving as the pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach for the Philadelphia Eagles the past two seasons. The Cowboys' defensive staff features a mix of experienced coaches and rising young talents, all assembled by Parker to help turn around the team's defense, which was the worst in the league last season.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' defense struggled mightily in 2025, and the team is hoping that Christian Parker and his new coaching staff can help revitalize the unit and return the team to the playoffs. Parker is considered a rising star in the coaching ranks, and his ability to assemble a strong staff will be crucial to the Cowboys' success in the coming season.

The details

The Cowboys' new defensive coaching staff includes Ryan Smith as cornerbacks coach, Derrick Ansley as pass game coordinator, Marcus Dixon as defensive line coach, Demeitre Brim as assistant defensive line coach, Chidera Uzo-Diribe as outside linebackers coach, Scott Symons as inside linebackers coach, and Robert Muschamp as assistant secondary coach. The team also made two small tweaks to the offensive staff, bringing in Kyle Fuller as assistant offensive line/quality control coach and Stephen Bravo-Brown as assistant wide receivers coach.

  • The Cowboys finalized their defensive coaching staff on February 18, 2026.

The players

Christian Parker

The 34-year-old Christian Parker is the new defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, joining the team after serving as the pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach for the Philadelphia Eagles the past two seasons.

Brian Schottenheimer

The head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, who led the process of hiring the new defensive coordinator and staff.

Matt Eberflus

The previous defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, who was dismissed several weeks ago.

Ryan Smith

The new cornerbacks coach for the Dallas Cowboys.

Derrick Ansley

The new pass game coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys.

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What they’re saying

“The group is a mixed back of experience and fresh, new ideas; of proven success at their respective level and of an ability to connect with players; and, most importantly, of the new guard in coaching.”

— Patrik Walker (statenews.net)

What’s next

With the coaching staff finalized, the Cowboys can now fully turn their attention to NFL free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft, as they look to build the defensive roster that best fits Christian Parker's vision.

The takeaway

The Cowboys are hoping that Christian Parker and his new-look defensive coaching staff can help revitalize a unit that struggled mightily in 2025, as the team looks to return to the playoffs in the upcoming season.