The Dallas Cowboys are adding a rising defensive mind to their coaching staff by hiring Scott Symons, the former defensive coordinator at Southern Methodist University (SMU), as their inside linebackers coach. This move not only marks Symons’ first NFL coaching position but also signals Dallas’s intent to refresh its defensive approach under a proven up-and-coming coach.

Symons’ resume stands out to me, particularly because of his success leading one of college football’s most dynamic defenses. Over the past several seasons at SMU, his units consistently ranked among the nation’s top defenses in critical statistical categories — including turnovers gained, red zone stops, interceptions and sacks — all while helping the Mustangs reach the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history. Per PFF_College, over the past two seasons at SMU, Symons has coached a defense that had an ELITE 90.9 PFF grade, 3rd highest in the ACC.

What makes Symons particularly valuable for the Cowboys’ linebacker room is his deep background in defensive leadership and player development- key qualities expressed by Coach Schottenheimer on numerous fronts. Before SMU, he coached linebackers at Memphis and served as defensive coordinator at Liberty, where he helped shape aggressive, versatile defenders. His experience in building schemes that prioritize disrupting offenses will be critical in developing Dallas’s inside linebackers in run support, coverage, and blitz packages.

Symons has also earned national recognition for his coaching acumen, including multiple nominations for the prestigious Broyles Award — given to the top assistant coach in college football — and accolades like the 2024 Graphite Award for efficient play calling. These honors speak to his analytical approach and ability to get the most out of his players. Ultimately, his transition to the NFL brings fresh energy and innovative defensive thinking to a Cowboys defense in need of reinvigoration.

As inside linebackers coach, Symons’ track record of developing disciplined, opportunistic defenders should help strengthen the core of Coach Parkers defense and contribute immediately to a defensive unit striving for improvement not only in 2026, but beyond.