Dallas injects fresh talent, appointing young coordinators and assistants. A definitive shake-up signals a bold new direction for the Cowboys' defense.
FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys under head coach Brian Schottenheimer and new defensive coordinator Christian Parker continue to execute a new vision when it comes to assembling the 2026 coaching staff.
Following a "housecleaning" in recent days after Parker's hire, the Cowboys have found replacements for some of their "disinvited'' assistant coaches from the failed 2025 season in which Dallas fielded the NFL's worst defense.
Former Arizona Cardinals cornerbacks coach Ryan Smith, 32, will assume the same job with the Cowboys under Parker.
Also officially aboard: Derrick Ansley, who was the Packers pass-game coordinator.
Ansley, 44, worked at Alabama under Nick Saban and once served as the Chargers defensive coordinator) before joining the Packers as pass game coordinator in 2024 to present.
Also this week, the Cowboys have interviewed Zach Orr a second time, now inquiring about him as a linebackers coach instead of defensive coordinator. Orr, 33, is the former defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens under now-fired coach John Harbaugh.
Other staff candidates include Eric Henderson (USC run-game coordinator), Denzel Martin (Steelers linebackers coach), Marcus Dixon (Vikings D-line coach), Ronell Williams (Eagles assistant linebackers coach) and Robert Livingston (Colorado defensive coordinator)
There is a youthful flavor to what is being assembled under Parker, 34, as the Cowboys seem serious about putting Schottenheimer and company in a position to make major changes to this defense.