Dallas Cowboys Hire Mike Pettine for Defensive Assistance
The Dallas Cowboys have addressed ongoing defensive issues, dating back to 2025, by hiring Mike Pettine as a senior defensive assistant. This decision followed a surprising home defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on “Thursday Night Football.” Pettine will collaborate with defensive coordinator Christian Parker, a relatively new recruit facing challenges with the team’s performance.
Brian Schottenheimer, the head coach, commented on Pettine’s hiring, stating, “We had been contemplating this for a while. We managed to convince Pettine that joining us was a sensible move.” Pettine had been previously retired, but the recent loss prompted his return to coaching.
Pettine’s experience is expected to enhance the team’s defense. Schottenheimer expressed strong confidence in this decision.
The Cowboys have been struggling defensively, allowing an average of 395.4 yards per game, ranking them next to last in the league. Their run defense has particularly suffered, conceding 168.4 yards per game. Despite these defensive woes, quarterback Dak Prescott and the offense have been scoring effectively, ranking seventh with 27.6 points per game.
Pettine is familiar to Parker from their time at the Green Bay Packers, where Pettine was the defensive coordinator. Schottenheimer and Pettine also worked together with the New York Jets under coach Rex Ryan. Although Pettine had retired prior to the 2026 season, the Cowboys persuaded him to return and collaborate with Parker.
Jerry Jones, the Cowboys’ owner, and other stakeholders expect Pettine’s experience to contribute significantly to improving defensive results. Schottenheimer emphasized the importance of trust between Parker and Pettine to ensure effective collaboration and defensive improvement.
The Cowboys are set to face Pettine and Parker’s former team, the Green Bay Packers, in a primetime “Sunday Night Football” matchup in Week 6.
Author Scott Thompson contributes to Fox News Digital covering sports stories.