Changes for Cowboys defense? Assistants given permission to look elsewhere

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The Cowboys seem to be preparing for- or at least allowing for the possibility of- a major overhaul to next season's coaching staff following the hiring this week of Christian Parker as defensive coordinator.

Per Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News, the team has given assistant coaches "permission to seek other jobs and to interview with" Parker for a spot on his new staff.

Expect the names, rumors, reports, and interview confirmations to ramp up considerably now, as Parker ostensibly looks to assemble his own staff… and current Cowboys staffers (many of whom were brought in by Matt Eberflus) start to exercise their connections with other clubs, coaches, and coordinators for new potential opportunities.

That's not to say there will definitely be a total housecleaning for 2026, but some pieces are already in motion.

Defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton, who interviewed with the Cowboys for the DC role, has already been linked to that same title in Tennessee under new head coach Robert Saleh. Dallas is reportedly set to speak with Vikings DL coach Marcus Dixon, whose contract has expired in Minnesota. Dixon was previously on staff with Parker in Denver and is presumably being eyed for Whitecotton's post.

Whitecotton is currently also juggling DC duties for the East team in the East-West Shrine Bowl. Additionally, three Cowboys defensive assistants- David Overstreet II, Bryan Bing, and Tanzel Smart- are coaching the National team in the Senior Bowl.

Whether or not they return to the Dallas staff after the all-star games to work under Parker remains to be seen.

Here's a complete look at the Cowboys' defensive coaches from the 2025 season, all of whom may now be deciding whether to seek a spot on Parker's new staff or field calls from outside the 214.

  • Aaron Whitecotton: DL coach
  • Bryan Bing: Assistant DL coach
  • Dave Borgonzi: LB coach
  • David Overstreet II: CB/secondary coach
  • Darian Thompson: Nickels/secondary coach
  • Andre Curtis: Defensive passing game coordinator
  • J.J. Clark: Defensive assistant coach
  • Tanzel Smart: Defensive assistant/quality control coach

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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys give assistant coaches option to look elsewhere

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