Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones once famously said he could find500 coaches to lead his team as tensions grew with head coach Jimmy Johnson whom departed after Super Bowl XXVIII.
Luckily for Dallas, times have changed and so have strategies in regards to the staff charged with finding, assisting, and developing the players on the roster. That sentiment resonates with the rest of the league, as The Athletic has released their list of top 50 executives, strategists, and coaches under 40 and Dallas has three contributors on the list.
For Dallas, the recognition reflects the organizations investment in a talented yet younger coaching staff and the potential for key members of Brian Schottenheimer's staff.
These are the movers and shakers in every
corner of the NFL’s ecosystem who will help mold it for years to come.https://t.co/4MKywOzCXo
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) September 1, 2026
Leading the group is new Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker, who has quickly become one of the NFL's most intriguing young defensive minds. At 34 years old, Parker took over a Dallas defense in 2026 after serving as the Eagles pass-game coordinator and defensive backs coach.
"Parker, considered in league circles to be a future head coach, has a knack for communicating complex ideas and schemes in simple ways that allow his players to play fast and free." - The Athletic
His ability to communicate effectively helped make him a coveted coach before landing in Dallas. Now, he faces the challenge of rebuilding a defense that struggled significantly in 2025.
Also on the list is Ryan Feder, who might not be a well-known name throughout the Cowboys community but those inside the building at The Star know how valuable he is to the teams' success.
Those who are excited about the addition of Christian Parker should thank Feder who pushed for the team to interview the new defensive coordinator.
For Cowboys fans who like Christian Parker, you should thank game management coordinator Ryan Feder.
— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) August 6, 2026
Parker was the 9th of 9 zoom interviews. Brian Schottenheimer said they felt good about the 8 and were ready to move on, but Feder encouraged him to talk to Parker.
Voilà.
The Cowboys Game management coordinator is a situational expert who advises the head coach at the games most crucial moments. He also assists with game plans and analytical discussions.
"Feder is among the best ambassadors for the league’s tight-knit circle of “situational masters,” who are now empowered to lead meetings, install parts of game plans and lead analytical discussions, and who are even in the headset with coaches." - The Athletic
He was hired by former Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy and is one of the few holdovers from that administration.
Also of key, behind-the-scenes importance is the Cowboys director of video Mike Adams, who left Washington after 16 seasons with the Commanders and is in his first year in Dallas. The underrated art of video work for football operations is one of those thankless jobs whose work only comes to light from any visible mistakes.
Adams brings a wealth of football experience to the Cowboys and has continued to establish himself as an influential member of this staff. His understanding of the game and experience within NFL circles have helped make him a respected voice within the organization.
"Video work for the football operations side of a building is among a team’s most crucial strategic processes, and includes logging of every practice snap for internal studies by coaches and players, building the cut-ups and film packages of opponents that are the foundation of the game plan week to week, and in Adams’ case, leading in the development of virtual reality tools for players." - The Athletic
Adams could also be considered a trailblazer as he is believed to be the first African American film director in league history.
Another recognizable name on the list includes Saints head coach Kellen Moore, who played quarterback for Dallas back in 2015 and was their offensive coordinator from 2019 through the 2022 season.
With Parker, Feder, and Adams all earning recognition, the Cowboys have three potential difference-makers. Their continued development could be just as important to Dallas' future as the development of the players on the field.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Christian Parker headlines 3 Cowboys named 'Top 50 under 40'
