Cowboys to hire from rival team for defensive coordinator role
The Dallas Cowboys have turned to a division rival to fill their defensive coordinator vacancy.
The team is working to finalize a deal to hire Philadelphia Eagles passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach Christian Parker for the role, according to multiple reports.
Parker, 34, has held his current position with the Eagles for the last two years under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. In 2024, Philadelphia ranked first in total yards allowed and second in scoring defense, with rookie cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean stepping into vital roles in the secondary as part of the team’s Super Bowl run. This season, Michell and DeJean both earned first-team All-Pro nods.
Parker replaces Matt Eberflus, who was fired after his lone season in the role. The Cowboys surrendered a league-worst and franchise-record 511 points in 2025.
Dallas interviewed several other coordinator candidates with backgrounds rooted in the secondary, including former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon, Denver Broncos defensive passing game coordinator Jim Leonahard, Minnesota Vikings defense passing game coordinator Daronte Jones and Cleveland Browns safeties coach Ephraim Banda.
