The Cowboys are making a move to steady a defense that has been wobbling, and they’re turning to a familiar veteran to do it.
On Monday, head coach Brian Schottenheimer said Dallas has hired Mike Pettine as a senior defensive assistant, with the specific aim of helping defensive coordinator Christian Parker.
"Breaking news: Cowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer says they've hired Mike Pettine as a senior defensive assistant," Joseph Hoyt of The Dallas Morning News reported.
"He's going to be in here to support (Christian Parker)," Schottenheimer said.
Parker and Pettine already know each other well from their time with the Green Bay Packers. In 2019 and 2020, Parker worked as a defensive quality control coach under Pettine, who was the team’s defensive coordinator in 2018 and held that same job during Parker’s time there as well.
Dallas is turning to Pettine at a moment when the defense has been a real problem. Even after a major overhaul, the unit has remained one of the worst in the NFL. And beyond the on-field results, Parker has appeared overwhelmed in his first season calling plays, making it clear the Cowboys wanted another experienced voice in the room.
Pettine fits that bill. He brings a long track record on defense, and the fact that Parker has worked with him before should make the adjustment smoother.
The move also makes plain that Dallas knows Parker needs help, for whatever reason the team sees behind that. Either way, the Cowboys clearly felt it was time to add support.
Pettine’s résumé runs deep. He began as a coaching assistant with the Baltimore Ravens in 2002, then moved up to assistant defensive line coach in 2004 and outside linebackers coach in 2005.
From there, he worked as defensive coordinator for the New York Jets, Buffallo Bills and Packers. He also spent time as head coach of the Cleveland Browns and later served as a consultant with the Seattle Seahawks.
Most recently, Pettine was a senior defensive assistant with the Chicago Bears in 2021. He was also assistant head coach and outside linebackers coach with the Minnesota Vikings from 2022 through 2025.
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