Cowboys Hire Christian Parker as Defensive Coordinator

The 34-year-old impresses in interview process, earns praise from Brian Schottenheimer and Cowboys brass

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Dallas Cowboys have hired Christian Parker as their new defensive coordinator, with the 34-year-old earning high praise from head coach Brian Schottenheimer and the team's leadership for his impressive performance during the interview process. Parker, who previously served as the pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach for the Philadelphia Eagles, is seen as a rising star in the coaching ranks.

Why it matters

The Cowboys defense struggled mightily in 2025, leading to the dismissal of the previous coordinator. Parker's hiring represents the team's effort to revamp the unit with a young, innovative coach who has a track record of developing talented defensive backs like Pat Surtain II and the Eagles' Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell.

The details

During the interview process, the Cowboys were impressed with Parker's preparation, insightfulness, and ability to connect with players. He even aced a "mock" first day team meeting exercise, showcasing his leadership and communication skills. Despite his young age, Parker has extensive experience working under respected defensive minds like Vic Fangio, and the Cowboys believe his schematic diversity and player development prowess will be a major asset.

  • Parker, who just turned 34 in December, was hired as the Cowboys' new defensive coordinator in February 2026.

The players

Christian Parker

The 34-year-old is the Cowboys' new defensive coordinator, having previously served as the pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Brian Schottenheimer

The Cowboys' head coach, who led the interview process that resulted in the hiring of Christian Parker as the team's new defensive coordinator.

Jerry Jones

The owner of the Dallas Cowboys, who was involved in the decision to hire Christian Parker as the team's new defensive coordinator.

Stephen Jones

The co-owner of the Dallas Cowboys, who was involved in the decision to hire Christian Parker as the team's new defensive coordinator.

Will McClay

The vice president of player personnel for the Dallas Cowboys, who was involved in the decision to hire Christian Parker as the team's new defensive coordinator.

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What they’re saying

“This was a great hire for the Cowboys.”

— Brian Schottenheimer, Head Coach, Dallas Cowboys (Dallas Cowboys)

“What's been awesome to me is the excitement of our players. Our players are around a little bit... but they're coming to see (Christian Parker), to be around. You see the excitement for Christian and the other staff and the connection that has already started.”

— Brian Schottenheimer, Head Coach, Dallas Cowboys (Dallas Cowboys)

“I think work ethic and schematic diversity, in terms of who I've worked for (Vic Fangio twice), who I've been around and how I was raised, and that has to be an advantage of the staff we have hired and the collaboration more so than my age.”

— Christian Parker, Defensive Coordinator, Dallas Cowboys (Dallas Cowboys)

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

This hiring represents the Cowboys' commitment to revitalizing their defense with a young, innovative coach who has a track record of developing talented defensive backs. Parker's preparation, communication skills, and schematic diversity are seen as key assets that can help turn around the team's struggling unit.