FRISCO, TX - The Dallas Cowboys are finalizing a deal to hire Christian Parker as their next defensive coordinator, bringing an end to a wide-ranging search and marking the team’s fourth defensive coordinator in as many seasons.
The organization has agreed to terms with Parker, 34, who most recently coached with the Philadelphia Eagles. The move is being made under head coach Brian Schottenheimer and the Cowboys’ front office, which sought a long-term solution after several years of turnover on the defensive staff.
Parker joins Dallas after drawing interest from multiple teams during the current coaching cycle. He ultimately chose to sign with the Cowboys, leaving an NFC East rival to take on the task of rebuilding a defense that struggled throughout the 2025 season.
The hire connects Dallas to the coaching tree of Vic Fangio, whose defenses have historically posed challenges for Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. Parker worked under Fangio during his time with the Denver Broncos and later in Philadelphia.
Before reaching the NFL, Parker played wide receiver and cornerback and began his coaching career in college football, serving as defensive backs coach at Virginia State University in 2013 and later at Norfolk State University. He went on to coaching roles at University of Notre Dame and Texas A&M University before moving to the NFL with the Green Bay Packers.
With Parker on staff, Fangio’s Eagles defense allowed the sixth-fewest passing yards and the fewest passing touchdowns in the league during the 2025 season. Parker was credited with helping develop young defensive backs such as Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean into first-team All-Pro selections. Earlier in his career with Denver, Parker worked closely with Patrick Surtain II, who has since become a three-time All-Pro.
The Cowboys are turning to Parker as they look to reverse defensive struggles from the 2025 season. As the saying goes, "It can only go up from here". Dallas finished last in the league in points allowed and total yards, ranked 24th against the pass, and placed near the bottom in takeaways.
Once the contract is finalized, Parker will take over coordination duties for a defense the Cowboys hope can quickly rebound under his leadership.
