It took a while, but the Dallas Cowboys' search for a new defensive coordinator is finally picking up steam. They have discussed the job with nine coaches in a virtual capacity, but only a select handful have been invited to The Star for a second interview.
After days of uncertainty, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport has dropped notable intel on Dallas' next round of interviews.
Per Rapoport, the Cowboys interviewed former Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon on Monday night. Eagles passing game coordinator Christian Parker is up next on Wednesday, and Rapoport added that Dallas maintains interest in Broncos assistant Jim Leonhard.
The #Cowboys will interview former AZCardinals HC Jonathan Gannon for their defensive coordinator job tonight and then #Eagles passing game coordinator Christian Parker interviews on Wednesday. There is still interest in #Broncos pass game specialist Jim Leonhard, as well.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 19, 2026
Cowboys are showing serious interest in Eagles DBs coach Christian Parker
Parker has done incredible work with the Eagles' secondary, which, if you remember, was one of the worst in the NFL just a couple of years ago.
In Parker's first season in 2024, Philadelphia allowed the fewest passing yards per game (174.2), while finishing second in EPA per pass (-0.09) and first in dropback success rate (41.5 percent). The Eagles' passing defense was suffocating again in 2025, ranking sixth in EPA per pass (-0.13) and sixth in dropback success rate (-0.017), per RBSM.
Under Parker's teaching, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean blossomed into key pieces on the Eagles' Super Bowl-winning defense last year. They made a big leap as NFL sophomores, with both being named first-team All-Pros at cornerback and nickel cornerback, respectively.
Before joining the Eagles in 2024, Parker coached the Broncos' DBs from 2021 to 2023. Denver cornerback Pat Surtain was named a first-team All-Pro in Parker's second year, and the 2023 Broncos secondary produced an All-Pro safety in Justin Simmons and a Pro Bowl CB in Surtain.
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It’s no coincidence that all of those players were coached by Parker. Wherever he’s been, his defensive backs have flourished, and improving the secondary clearly sits atop the Cowboys’ agenda after a dismal 2025 season.
Many Eagles fans were disgusted when it was first reported that Parker would interview with the Cowboys. While he’s seen as a potential successor to Vic Fangio, there’s no indication Fangio plans to retire anytime soon, making it logical for Parker to explore an upgrade elsewhere.
Developing defensive backs and calling a defense are two different challenges, but Parker appears up to the task. He drew defensive coordinator interest last year, and it feels like only a matter of time before he lands the job. He’s a rising star with the makings of a home-run hire.