Cowboys hire former NFL head coach, Packers’ DC to help fix struggling defense

Brian Schottenheimer is calling in reinforcements after Thursday night's loss against the Bucs

By Bryan DeArdo · Packernet

Published: Monday, 12 October 2026 at 9:16 PM

Key Things to Know

The Cowboys hired former NFL head coach Mike Pettine as their new senior defensive assistant.
Pettine will support defensive coordinator Christian Parker to help improve Dallas' struggling defense.
Dallas currently ranks 26th in points allowed and 32nd in third-down efficiency through five games.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Brian Schottenheimer announced on Monday that the Cowboys have hired Mike Pettine as their new senior defensive assistant. The move comes amid Dallas' 2-3 start to the season following a 24-16 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Pettine previously served as the Cleveland Browns head coach and defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers.

Pettine will work to support defensive coordinator Christian Parker, whom he initially hired with the Packers in 2019. The Dallas defense currently ranks 26th in points allowed and 32nd in third-down efficiency. The Cowboys next face the Packers at Lambeau Field.

Read the full article on Packernet

Cowboys hire former NFL head coach, Packers’ DC to help fix struggling defense

More Green Bay Packers News

Never Miss a Sports Update