The biggest issue for the 2025 Dallas Cowboys was their defense. It wasn’t just bad, it was the worst scoring defense in the league, giving up over 30 points per game.
A change was desperately needed at defensive coordinator, and Jerry Jones recognized that fact. The fanbase was relieved when Matt Eberflus was fired, but it was important to get the new defensive coordinator position decision right. Dallas found their man on Thursday, and the Cowboys officially announced the hiring of Christian Parker as their new defensive coordinator on Friday.
America’s team did not have to look far and stayed within their own division to hire Parker, who spent the past two seasons as the Philadelphia Eagles’ passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach. While the fanbase and the talk surrounding Parker is quite positive at the moment, given his previous experiences, it may not be the quick transition Cowboys fans would be hoping for.
The Reality on Parker May be Unknown for the Cowboys
Something that Parker has done really well during his career is developing promising talent into stars. The 34-year-old defensive mind spent three seasons from 2021-23 as the defensive backs coach for the Denver Broncos. Parker spent those years with 2021 first-round corner Patrick Surtain II and coached him into one of the best cornerbacks in the league. Additionally, players like Justin Simmons and Ja'Quan McMillian had a great 2023 under Parker.
Over the past two seasons with the Eagles, there has been a good amount of young talent. Both Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean were first and second-round picks, respectively, in the 2024 draft. Parker has done a strong coaching job with both of them to turn them into one of the best young corner duos in the league. DeJean was rated the best cornerback in the league at the end of last season, according to PFF.
There has been an issue with finding a third cornerback for the Eagles. While Adoree’ Jackson was listed as a starter, the veteran has struggled mightily with a 54.5 overall grade according to PFF, good for 90th among 114 corners. Kelee Ringo, the 2023 fourth-round pick, hasn’t been much better with a 55.3 overall grade, 86th overall. The same thing is true with Jakorian Bennett.
The Eagles were still missing a piece in the secondary that gave them issues. While Parker can succeed, he still needs real talent like every other coordinator. That is something the Cowboys lack for the most part. This will be the toughest job Parker has taken, and he cannot just focus on the secondary. There are plenty of holes all over the defense.
Shavon Revel Jr., the 2025 third-round pick, has shown some promise. Besides him, Daron Bland has shown plenty of talent, but he deals with injuries and needs to take the next step in development. Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker are two of the worst safeties, according to PFF. Caelen Carson is unproven. Whether Trevon Diggs ultimately returns or not, this will not be the easiest group to coach. The Cowboys will need to draft, sign, or trade for more talent in order for Parker to truly coach up this defense.