Cowboys Bolster Coaching Staff with Key Defensive and Offensive Hires, Eye Upgrades in Secondary and Possible Blockbuster Trade
The Dallas Cowboys are wasting no time reshaping their coaching staff and roster after a disappointing 2025 season. With Christian Parker now steering the ship as the new defensive coordinator, the Cowboys are methodically assembling a staff that fits his vision-and they’ve just added a notable piece on the defensive side.
Scott Symons Joins as Inside Linebackers Coach
The Cowboys are bringing in Scott Symons, the former SMU defensive coordinator, to coach their inside linebackers. Symons has spent the last four seasons leading SMU’s defense, doubling as their safeties coach.
During that stretch, he earned national recognition, becoming a Broyles Award nominee in each of the past three years. That’s no small feat, especially considering he helped guide SMU to its first-ever College Football Playoff appearance in 2024.
Symons’ defense didn’t just show up-they showed out. Last season, SMU ranked top five nationally in both turnovers gained and red zone defense.
They also finished eighth in interceptions, 19th in rushing defense, and 23rd in sacks. That’s a unit that knew how to create chaos and close out drives, two things the Cowboys desperately lacked in 2025.
Before SMU, Symons served as defensive coordinator at Liberty and coached linebackers at Memphis. His track record suggests he knows how to develop talent and build aggressive, opportunistic defenses-something Parker and the Cowboys are banking on as they try to turn around one of the league’s worst defensive units.
Kyle Fuller Returns to Dallas as Assistant OL Coach
On the offensive side, the Cowboys are also adding a familiar face. Kyle Fuller, a Metroplex native and Baylor alum, is returning home to join the staff as an assistant offensive line coach and quality control coach.
Fuller’s NFL career spanned seven seasons, including 12 starts across 53 games. He transitioned to coaching with stints as a graduate assistant at North Carolina and Appalachian State, and most recently worked with the Las Vegas Raiders in a quality control role under Pete Carroll.
Bringing in a former player with Fuller's experience adds depth to the offensive staff. His recent work with NFL and college programs gives him a unique perspective, and his familiarity with the trenches could prove valuable in developing the Cowboys’ young offensive linemen.
Torry Holt Urges Cowboys to Lock Down George Pickens
Wide receiver George Pickens turned heads after arriving in Dallas-so much so that Hall of Famer Torry Holt is publicly calling for the Cowboys to make sure he stays put.
On a recent appearance on the Up and Adams show, Holt didn’t mince words. He called Pickens a “freak of nature,” praising his talent and impact, but also challenged him to mature and bring consistent focus to his game. That’s been a lingering narrative around Pickens since his college days: elite talent, but questions about his focus and discipline.
Still, Holt made it clear-Dallas needs to “do the right thing” and get a long-term deal done. With Pickens likely to receive the franchise tag while negotiations play out, the Cowboys have a crucial decision ahead. Pickens has shown WR1 potential, even alongside CeeDee Lamb, and letting that kind of talent walk would be a major setback for an offense that’s already among the league’s best.
Secondary Overhaul a Top Priority
If there’s one area that demands immediate attention, it’s the secondary.
The Cowboys gave up more points per game (30.1) than any team in the NFL last season and ranked 30th in total yards allowed. That’s not just bad-that’s historically bad for a team with playoff aspirations. Christian Parker’s arrival has sparked some optimism, but he’ll need the right personnel to execute his system.
One name that could be on the Cowboys’ radar in free agency is Coby Bryant. Fresh off a Super Bowl win, Bryant brings versatility and a championship pedigree. He can play inside or out, and that kind of flexibility is exactly what Parker could use to stabilize a shaky secondary.
According to Spotrac, Bryant’s projected market value sits around $14.3 million per year on a two-year deal. That’s a significant investment for a franchise that’s been hesitant to open the checkbook for defensive backs, but given the state of the defense, it might be time to break that trend.
Maxx Crosby Trade Rumors Heating Up Again
And then there’s the Maxx Crosby chatter.
The All-Pro pass rusher from the Raiders has been loosely linked to Dallas since last year’s trade deadline, and the buzz hasn’t quieted down. Crosby’s relationship with the Raiders appears to be strained, and if things deteriorate further, Dallas could be in the mix.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz recently noted that it would take a “Micah Parsons package” to pry Crosby away from Vegas. That’s a steep price, and there’s no guarantee the Raiders are even willing to move him. But if they are, Dallas is one of the few teams positioned to make a serious offer.
Adding Crosby to a defensive front that already features Micah Parsons would be a nightmare for opposing offenses. It’s the kind of move that could instantly transform the Cowboys from a struggling defense to a dominant one.
What’s Next?
The Cowboys are clearly in retooling mode, but they’re not rebuilding. They’re adding experienced coaches who align with Christian Parker’s defensive vision, reinforcing the offensive staff with former players who bring fresh energy, and exploring big-name acquisitions that could reshape the roster.
Whether it’s locking down George Pickens, chasing a talent like Maxx Crosby, or investing in a versatile corner like Coby Bryant, the Cowboys are signaling that they’re not content with another early playoff exit-or worse.
The moves made in the next few weeks will define how serious this team is about contending in 2026. The pieces are starting to come together. Now it’s about execution, both on the field and in the front office.