Who is Christian Parker, the Cowboys’ new defensive coordinator? – Todd Archer, ESPN
The Dallas Cowboys are excited about what Christian Parker can bring to their defense in 2026.
“Very, very smart,” executive vice president Stephen Jones told reporters at the Senior Bowl. “Great communicator,
which at the end of the day, one of our top priorities is to be a great teacher.
“These defenses are very complicated, but at the same time, he was really good at explaining it not only to coach [Brian] Schottenheimer and to [vice president of player personnel Will McClay], but to Jerry [Jones] and myself that you want to make complicated things seem easy so players can use their athletic ability and play fast and do the things you want them to do, have the identity you want them to have on that side of the ball. He was just outstanding.”
At 34, Parker is the youngest defensive coordinator the Cowboys have ever had, and he is only 14 seasons removed from his coaching debut as the defensive backs coach at Virginia State.
“I’d be lying if I said I knew he’d be the defensive coordinator of the Cowboys 10 years later or whatever it’s been, but he was obviously a very talented young guy,” said Matt Dawson, who was Virginia State’s defensive coordinator and spent 17 years as an assistant in college football. “He picked up a defense that he hadn’t been involved in as a player or coach very quickly, was always receptive to me as a coach, always eager to learn, always asking questions. And honestly, he asked the right questions. He didn’t ask questions to ask questions. There was always a reason behind it.”
Parker was 21 years old at the time.
“He might’ve been one of the youngest guys in the room,” Dawson said. “Some of the guys he coached were probably a little older than him.”
But Dawson said the players never questioned the age of the coach because of the wisdom he gave them.
“I’m proud of him. And he deserves it,” Dawson said. “CP deserves everything. He’s worked hard and he’s a great person. You can’t put a price on those things. He’s earned everything he’s gotten. Nothing’s been given to him. He worked every step of the way.”
Cowboys mourn passing of “one-of-kind” super-fan, Carolyn Price – Nick Eatman, DallasCowboys.com
The Cowboys fanbase lost a legend in Ms. Price.
When Carolyn Price was at a Cowboys game, or even a practice, there was no mistaking her for anyone else.
Her booming voice, coupled with her charismatic nature and infectious smile made her one of the most unique Cowboys fans of all time.
Sadly, “Ms. Price” passed away this week after a long health battle, according to her family. She was 83.
The Cowboys issued a statement regarding her passing:
“The way Ms. Price loved the Cowboys was truly priceless. She was one of a kind and expressed her special love and care for players, coaches, staff, and all things Cowboys, in every way she could for decades. We will always hear her voice calling out our names and offering her support. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones.”
Ms. Price has been attending Cowboys games for over 30 years, often getting a front-row seat to greet the players, coaches and especially Jerry Jones as they entered and exited the field.
She was also a regular visitor at training camp, whether it was Thousand Oaks, Austin, Wichita Falls, San Antonio and most recently in Oxnard, where her voice would echo throughout the fields, leaving her mark as one of the more dedicated and passionate Cowboys fans we’ve ever seen.
Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith explains why Dallas needs to show urgency with George Pickens – Sports Staff, Dallas Morning News
Emmitt Smith is talking from experience when it comes to contract negotiations with the Cowboys.
Count Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith among those who think Dallas needs to figure out its plan with Pickens quickly. Smith joined the “Up and Adams Show” with Kay Adams during Super Bowl week and explained his thoughts on Dallas’ offseason questions.
“I would make that decision right now, or right before the draft so I know how to proceed in the draft,” Smith said when asked how he’d time his Pickens decision. “Not only that, I would solidify my offensive scheme with [CeeDee] Lamb, Pickens and [Jake Ferguson], the way we ran the ball with Javonte [Williams]. That solidifies the foundation.”
Handling Pickens before the draft would give the Cowboys some much-needed clarity, given the fact they have two picks in the first round. If they determine they won’t be able to reach a deal with Pickens before the draft, drafting a wide receiver in the first round becomes a real possibility. Possibilities like that are why Smith believes Dallas needs to make a decision before April’s draft.
Regardless of the other scenarios, Smith still wants Pickens to stick around and its easy to see why. He posted 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on 93 catches during his debut season in Dallas.
Jerry Jones was asked last week if he worries about how a potential franchise tag would affect Pickens.
“Not any more at all than any other player,” Jones said. “No. In fact, my emphasis on feeling good about him off the field, or any of those issues, has to do with me not differentiating him from any of the top player. Obviously, if you franchise somebody, they’re not getting exactly where they want to be. That’s the way that works. Would I be more concerned with him that I would be anybody? The answer is not at all. To me, that’s what we’ve seen and what he’s shown.”
A potential franchise tag on Pickens would mark the first time the Cowboys have used the tag since 2023 when they used it on running back Tony Pollard.
5 Dallas Cowboys Veterans Who Won’t Be on the Roster Next Season – Randy Gurzi, Cowboys on SI
Now that the NFL season is over, all eyes turn to the start of free agency in March.
Jack Sanborn, LB
Jack Sanborn was signed due to his ties with defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, but he didn’t make the impact Dallas hoped he would. He had 34 tackles in six games but didn’t make any splash plays. Couple that with the exit of Eberflus, and Sanborn shouldn’t be back in 2026.
Miles Sanders, RB
Miles Sanders was an early surprise, recording 117 yards and a touchdown on his first 20 attempts. He was sidelined with a knee injury, however, ending the season on the IR.
Sanders proved to be a fit in Brian Schottenheimer’s scheme, but the Cowboys are likely to turn to a younger player who doesn’t have the injury concerns.
Kenneth Murray, LB
Dallas tried to find a bargain via trade when they picked up linebacker Kenneth Murray, A downhill player who delivers tough hits, Murray was a liability in coverage and didn’t make enough plays against the run. For some reason, the coaching staff kept him on the field even after adding Logan Wilson, but it’s time to find a better answer.
