The Dallas Cowboys are officially in the market for a new defensive coordinator, and the search is starting to take shape. After parting ways with Matt Eberflus following the close of the regular season, the Cowboys are casting a wide net-and that net may be stretching all the way into enemy territory.
According to multiple reports, Dallas is expected to interview Christian Parker, the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach. That would make Parker the third known candidate in the mix, joining Daronte Jones and Jonathan Gannon in what’s shaping up to be a competitive Round 2 of interviews.
Now, if Parker’s name doesn’t immediately jump off the page, it’s worth taking a closer look. At just 34 years old, he’s already built an impressive résumé.
He broke into coaching back in 2013 at Virginia State, working with defensive backs, and steadily climbed the ladder through the college ranks. Stops at powerhouse programs like Notre Dame and Texas A&M gave him valuable experience in high-pressure environments before he made the jump to the NFL in 2019 with the Green Bay Packers as a defensive quality control coach.
From there, Parker’s trajectory continued upward. He spent time with the Denver Broncos, refining his craft and building a reputation as a sharp defensive mind with a knack for developing secondary talent.
In 2024, he joined the Eagles, where he’s held dual roles as defensive passing game coordinator and DBs coach. Over the past two seasons in Philadelphia, Parker has been instrumental in shaping the back end of the Eagles’ defense-a group that, despite its ups and downs, has shown flashes of elite play under his guidance.
For Dallas, the interest in Parker signals a willingness to think outside the box. While he’s never held a defensive coordinator title at the NFL level, his background suggests a coach on the rise-someone who’s earned respect in coaching circles for his detailed approach to coverage schemes and ability to connect with players. If the Cowboys do bring him on board, it would mark his first shot at running an entire NFL defense.
Of course, nothing is set in stone yet. The interview hasn’t officially been scheduled, but the expectation is that Parker will meet with Dallas brass soon.
And with three names now reportedly in the running, the Cowboys are clearly doing their homework. Whether they opt for experience or upside, one thing’s clear: Dallas is looking for a fresh voice to lead its defense into 2026-and Christian Parker is firmly on their radar.