Dallas Cowboys hire Christian Parker’s former boss to help the NFL’s worst defense, and the familiarity runs even deeper

The Dallas Cowboys have hired veteran coach Mike Pettine as a senior defensive assistant ahead of Week 6 of the 2026 NFL season. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer announced the move on Monday to support first-year defensive coordinator and play caller Christian Parker. The Cowboys defense currently sits at 32nd in the league in EPA per play and is tied for the fewest takeaways in the NFL.

Pettine brings extensive experience, having previously served as head coach of the Cleveland Browns and defensive coordinator for several franchises, including the Green Bay Packers. While in Green Bay, Pettine gave Parker his first NFL job in 2019. Pettine also worked alongside Schottenheimer from 2009 to 2011 with the New York Jets, providing established ties across the Dallas coaching staff.