The Dallas Cowboys are continuing to reshape their defensive coaching staff, and the latest addition brings a strong pedigree from one of college football’s premier programs. Georgia outside linebackers coach Chidera Uzo-Diribe is expected to join the Cowboys in the same role, according to reports, adding another sharp defensive mind to Christian Parker’s growing staff in Dallas.
Uzo-Diribe, 33, interviewed with the Cowboys on Monday and confirmed his move shortly after. He’ll now reunite with Brian Schottenheimer, who previously served as Georgia’s offensive coordinator and is currently part of the Cowboys’ staff.
This marks the second departure from Kirby Smart’s coaching staff at Georgia this offseason, though it’s the first one to leave for a new job. Offensive line coach Stacy Searels also stepped back from his on-field role but remains with the Bulldogs in an analyst capacity.
Uzo-Diribe’s résumé speaks for itself. A Long Beach, California native and former standout at Colorado, he’s made coaching stops at Kansas, SMU, TCU, and his alma mater before landing in Athens in 2022. In his four seasons with the Bulldogs, he helped shape one of the most formidable linebacker units in the country, developing top-tier NFL talent along the way.
Among the most notable names under his watch: Nolan Smith and Jalon Walker. Smith became a first-round draft pick, and Walker followed a path that showcased both versatility and production.
Splitting time between inside and outside linebacker, Walker emerged as a dynamic force in Georgia’s defense. As a junior, he led the team in sacks with 6.5, racked up 60 tackles (10.5 for loss), and added two pass breakups and two fumble recoveries.
That performance earned him the Butkus Award-joining Roquan Smith and Nakobe Dean as Georgia linebackers to win the prestigious honor under Smart.
For the Cowboys, this hire signals a commitment to fresh ideas and a coaching staff that blends NFL experience with college innovation. It’s also another example of how Dallas is approaching its coaching search differently this time around.
Last season, when Matt Eberflus was hired as defensive coordinator, the Cowboys leaned heavily on familiarity. Most of the defensive staff had worked with Eberflus in Chicago-linebackers coach Dave Borgonzi, safeties coach Andre Curtis, and corners coach David Overstreet II all had ties to the Bears. Only defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton came from outside that circle.
The logic was clear: bring in coaches who already know the system to speed up the learning curve for players. But this year’s approach under Christian Parker seems more open-minded and deliberate, much like what the Cowboys did on offense last year.
When Brian Schottenheimer was promoted to head coach, his offensive staff wasn’t built on old relationships. Quarterbacks coach Steve Shimko had a brief history with Schottenheimer in Seattle, but others-like offensive coordinator Klayton Adams, O-line coach Conor Riley, receivers coach Junior Adams, and running backs coach Derrick Foster-came from varied backgrounds, including college football. Despite limited prior experience together, that group gelled quickly and helped guide the Cowboys to a top-tier offensive season, finishing second in total yards and seventh in points per game.
Now, Parker seems to be following a similar blueprint-prioritizing fresh perspectives over familiarity. Uzo-Diribe’s hire fits that mold: a young, energetic coach with a track record of developing NFL-ready talent and a deep understanding of modern defensive schemes.
As the Cowboys continue to retool their defense, the cornerback room remains one of the biggest question marks heading into 2026. Trevon Diggs, once considered a cornerstone of the secondary, is no longer with the team. His departure-sparked by a mix of injury setbacks and friction with the coaching staff-leaves a major void.
DaRon Bland, who was emerging as a reliable presence, ended the season on injured reserve after foot surgery. Rookie Shavon Revel struggled to regain form after his own injury, while Caelen Carson flashed potential but couldn’t stay consistent following a breakout game in Las Vegas. Reddy Steward was a bright spot in the nickel role, but overall, the group is in flux.
Looking ahead, Bland’s recovery will be critical. If he’s not ready to go, the Cowboys may need to lean on internal development-hoping Revel takes a leap, Carson steadies his play, and Josh Butler or Trikweze Bridges emerges as a viable option.
But realistically, the answer might not be on the roster yet. Free agency or the 2026 NFL Draft could be necessary to stabilize the position.
Carson is entering his third year, which means the team will soon have to make a decision on his long-term future. Right now, there’s no clear CB1 on the roster-unless Bland bounces back at full strength.
Meanwhile, Trevon Diggs remains a free agent. His older brother, Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs, spoke up in his defense during Super Bowl week, calling for patience and resilience.
Trevon’s 2025 season was marred by injuries-including a concussion from a freak accident at home-and he reportedly clashed with Eberflus over scheme fit. After being released by Dallas, he landed with the Packers but played just one snap in the playoffs before being cut again.
For the first time in his career, he finished a season without an interception.
Whether Diggs finds a new home this offseason remains to be seen, but his departure underscores the changing landscape in Dallas’ secondary.
As the Cowboys continue reshaping their staff and roster, one thing is clear: they’re not afraid to take bold steps in a new direction. And with hires like Uzo-Diribe, they’re betting that a fresh voice can help lead a defensive resurgence.