Published October 14, 2026 01:59 PM
The Cowboys added an experienced defensive coordinator to head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s staff this week, but Schottenheimer said it won’t change anything about their current coordinator’s responsibilities.
Christian Parker is in his first year as a coordinator and things have not gotten off to a great start, which is part of the reason why Mike Pettine was hired as a senior defensive assistant. Schottenheimer was asked at a press conference if Pettine’s arrival is going to lead to a different mode of operations on that side of the ball.
“Christian Parker is our defensive coordinator and all decisions will run through him,” Schottenheimer said.
Schottenheimer added that he has “no question we have the right guy” in Parker. He also said that there has not been a final call on whether Parker will coach from the booth or remain on the sideline despite Cowboys owner Jerry Jones saying earlier this week that Parker will make that change.
Wherever Parker winds up, the Cowboys will need better results against the Packers on Sunday night to convince others that the right pieces are in place.