The Dallas Cowboys are finally starting to fill out Christian Parker's defensive staff as they hope to usher in a new era on defense after the Matt Eberflus disaster. They're looking to add experience to the first-time defensive coordinator's staff, but some of the candidates they've interviewed aren't exactly the most promising group.
Per ESPN's Todd Archer, the Cowboys have kicked the tires on hiring former Ravens' DC Zach Orr, but they also interviewed former New York Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen.
Bowen is a name Dallas fans know really well, but you'd think Jerry Jones would be smart enough to steer clear after his stint in New York.
In all honesty, Bowen would be a fine addition to the coaching staff as a position coach, and luckily, he'd be a ways away from calling plays. He coached outside linebackers in Tennessee before being promoted to defensive coordinator, so his responsibilities would most likely be in that area if hired.
Shane Bowen could be a candidate to join Christian Parker's defensive coaching staff in Dallas
Bowen spent the last season and a half calling plays for the Giants' defense before getting fired midseason. Despite their talent, New York's blown leads and defensive meltdowns were a constant this season, and watching their downfall on Sundays often made for some great TV.
The 39-year-old was very clearly in over his head, and it didn't take very long for fans to learn that. Frankly, I've never seen a DC have this little understanding of clock management or how to even call a defense, so the fact he lasted as long as he did (and was hired to begin with) is genuinely hilarious.
Shane Bowen's total defense rankings as a defensive coordinator:
- 2025: 28th
- 2024: 24th
- 2023: 18th
- 2022: 23rd:
- 2021: 12th
The only season Bowen led a top-half defense was when Mike Vrabel brought in Jim Schwartz as a defensive consultant, and once he left for Cleveland, their defense fell off. And the season after he left for New York, the Titans finished second in total defense after replacing him with Dennard Wilson.
All of this is just proof he is one of the more unqualified defensive minds in football when forced to call plays or do anything of substance, which the Cowboys won't ask him to do. Luckily, his experience could be a benefit to Parker, who is now the youngest defensive coordinator in the NFL.
Bowen could end up reuniting with Vrabel in New England now that he's looking for work, but if he doesn't, he could have a role in Dallas' new staff, which would be the first hire Parker makes that fans could have a difficult time warming up to.