If there is one word to describe the Dallas Cowboys' search for a defensive coordinator and Christian Parker's subsequent effort to fill out his coaching staff, it's "refreshing."
At long last, Parker's staff is finally nearing completion, and it features a perfect blend of assistants with previous NFL experience and rising stars from the college ranks.
The Joneses deserve credit for stepping aside and letting Parker and Brian Schottenheimer run the search. If any fans feared Jerry or Stephen would swoop in and hire one of their “guys,” Parker’s latest hire just crushed that narrative.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that the Cowboys have hired SMU defensive coordinator Scott Symons as inside linebackers coach. Per Pelissero, multiple teams courted Symons this hiring cycle, but the former Mustang wanted to join Dallas' overhauled defensive staff.
The Cowboys are hiring SMU defensive coordinator Scott Symons as inside linebackers coach, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 13, 2026
A highly respected college DC, Symons had interest from multiple NFL teams this cycle and elected to join Brian Schottenheimer’s revamped defensive staff and stay in Dallas. pic.twitter.com/SPN9BWhiGk
Dallas Cowboys hire former SMU defensive coordinator Scott Symons as inside linebackers coach
The Broyles Award is given to the nation's top assistant coach, and Symons was a nominee in each of the last three seasons for helping turn the Mustangs into a powerhouse. That included finishing as a semifinalist in 2024.
The 2025 season was arguably Symons' most impressive work yet, as SMU ranked 19th in the country in rushing defense, fifth in red zone defense, eighth in interceptions, and 31st with just 20.5 points allowed per game.
SMU allowed just 20 points in its upset overtime win over No. 10 Miami in November. The new overtime format is built for fireworks, and Broyles' defense slammed the door shut, blanking quarterback Carson Beck and star receiver Malachi Toney in the extra period.
The Hurricanes went on to play in the College Football Playoff Final, making the upset even more impressive in hindsight.
Suffice it to say that Broyles was ready to make the leap to the NFL, and he'll be tasked with coaching an inside linebacker room headlined by DeMarvion Overshown. The group really struggled in 2025 under Matt Eberflus and former LBs coach Dave Borgonzi.
It isn't an exciting core behind Overshown, but 2024 third-round pick Marist Liufau has a lot of untapped potential after falling out of the rotation under Eberflus. Thankfully, the Cowboys are widely expected to add multiple LBs this offseason.
Draft experts are frequently mocking Ohio State phenom Sonny Styles to Dallas at No. 12 overall, and Quincy Williams -- Quinnen's brother and a 2023 first-team All-Pro -- is about to hit free agency. Symons could have some fun new weapons at his disposal before long.
Calling Parker's hiring process a success would be selling it short. Beating other NFL teams to the punch for Symons is a statement move.