The Dallas Cowboys are making a change involving defensive coordinator Christian Parker as their defensive struggles continue, but owner Jerry Jones is not firing him.
Parker will move from the sideline to the coaches booth as Dallas searches for answers following a 2-3 start to the 2026 NFL season.
ESPN's Todd Archer reported Jones announced the move Tuesday during an appearance on 105.3 The Fan.
“Speaking on @1053thefan, Jerry Jones said defensive coordinator Christian Parker will move from the field to the coaches booth. It’s a move Matt Eberflus made last year as well when things did not go well,” Archer wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Joseph Hoyt of The Dallas Morning News also confirmed the change.
“Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Cowboys DC Christian Parker is moving from the sideline to the booth up above,” Hoyt reported.
Cowboys searching for answers on defense
The adjustment comes as Parker's defense ranks near the bottom of the NFL in several major categories.
Dallas has allowed 395.4 total yards per game, ranking 31st in the league, while surrendering 27.2 points per contest, which ranks 25th. The Cowboys have been particularly vulnerable against the run, allowing an NFL-worst 168.4 rushing yards per game and 5.1 yards per carry.
Article Continues BelowThe secondary has also struggled. Dallas ranks 21st by allowing 227 passing yards per game and has surrendered 11.5 yards per reception. Opponents have scored 16 total touchdowns against the Cowboys through five games.
Moving Parker upstairs will give the defensive coordinator a different vantage point to diagnose opposing offenses and communicate adjustments as Dallas attempts to reverse its early-season struggles.
The Cowboys are coming off a 24-16 Week 4 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Thursday. Dallas will next visit the Green Bay Packers (3-2) at Lambeau Field on Sunday at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC.