'Lipstick On A Pig!' Cowboys Can't Get Story Straight On Christian Parker Decision

The last thing the Dallas Cowboys want is to send mixed messages about defensive coordinator Christian Parker.

But unfortunately, owner Jerry Jones and head coach Brian Schottenheimer have done just that, and the bosses probably need to get on the same page here.

Early in the week, Jerry revealed on 105.3 The Fan that Parker would not be calling the game on the sideline on Sunday night, but would instead move up to the booth. 

This is something Matt Eberflus did late last season to get some productivity from his defense.

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But it appears that Jerry's words weren't exactly accurate.

Because when Schottenheimer was asked about Parker moving up into the box and what new top aide Mike Pettine's role is, he gave a different answer to Jerry.

"Yeah, no, none of those decisions have been finalized," Schottenheimer said. "We've had great conversations throughout this whole process. Last weekend was a busy weekend for us, and spent hours with CP talking about different things and options.

"With Jerry and Stephen going over the game and things we need to do in all three phases, quite honestly, to get better. So, as we work through the week, we'll figure out what's best. We're going to do whatever we think gives us the best chance to win."

Hmm, OK.

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So, Jerry is saying that Parker is moving up to the booth to call games, but Schottenheimer says nothing has been finalized.

The bosses need to get their stories straight.

Our Mike Fisher has suggested that a Parker move in terms of where he "sits or stands is immaterial. There's no right answer, otherwise every team would do it the same way.; But it does threaten to come across as simply putting lipstick on a pig.''

But now we know more.

Fish on Friday: 

"Source tells me why Cowboys have decided that Christian Parker will coach from sidelines w Mike Pettine up in booth: '1 guy needs to see the field and communicate that to sidelines. Other guy needs to be hands-on w players down there. Pettine has better knowledge/vision - and players don't know him. Put him up. Parker has comm/trust w players. So make him hands-on.'

"Pretty simple, in the end, right?''

Right.

(Schottenheimer on Friday confirmed this arrangement via 105.3 The Fan.)

With the game against Green Bay a must-watch given that Dallas should be healthier, plus having a 10-day break, it is expected that the Cowboys should be a better team than what we saw at AT&T Stadium against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

If they are, great, and we can move forward with the season as Parker looks to have his feet underneath him.

But if the defense still looks the same, even after the promised changes, some of which will be notable and others less so, then what that looks like in the coming weeks will be fascinating to watch.

Perhaps even more so than an owner and head coach giving the public vastly different messages about an under-pressure first-time defensive coordinator.