Dallas Cowboys hiring new defensive coordinator from NFC East rival
The Dallas Cowboys are finalizing a deal to hire Philadelphia Eagles pass game coordinator Christian Parker as their new defensive coordinator, multiple team sources told the Star-Telegram.
The Cowboys came to the decision after a second interview with Parker that took place in-person at The Star in Frisco on Wednesday. He won the job over Vikings pass game coordinator Daronte Jones and former Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon, who each received second interviews at The Star this week.
The Cowboys had a desire to speak with Broncos pass game coordinator Jim Leonhard, but timing and other factors signaled that his hire would be unlikely. After Parker’s interview, the team feels strongly about what he can bring to Dallas.
The interview process saw Parker make a big first impression in a virtual interview on Jan. 15 with his preparation and communication skills. He backed that up in the in-person session on Wednesday. While not explicitly stated by a team source, Jones also made a big impression and appeared to finish as the runner-up.
It’s a new strategy for Dallas, as it hires a first-time defensive coordinator for the first time since 2007. Parker has served his position in Philadelphia since 2024. Prior to that, he was the defensive backs coach for the Denver Broncos from 2021 to 2023 and a defensive analyst for the Green Bay Packers from 2019 to 2020. He also adds six years of experience from the college level at Notre Dame, Texas A&M, Virginia State and Norfolk State. Of note, his time at Texas A&M overlapped with an impending Cowboys free agent, safety Donovan Wilson.
Success oozes off Parker’s resume, whether it be his three top-eight pass defenses in five seasons or playing key roles in the NFL development of Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II and Eagles cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. All three have earned AP first-team All-Pro nods under his guidance, and more have earned solidified starting roles.
In a post on X about the news of Parker’s departure from Philadelphia, DeJean said, “They got a great one, wouldn't be the player I am without Coach CP.”
Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is regarded as one of the best defensive minds in the league, and Parker appears to be his next disciple to get a coordinator job.
This is the first time since 1989 that the Cowboys will have a first-time NFL head coach (Schottenheimer) and two first-time coordinators (Parker, Klayton Adams). Parker is also the first defensive coordinator in Dallas without prior head coaching experience since 2013.
This story was originally published January 22, 2026 at 12:24 PM.
