Cowboys Hire Pettine to Bolster Struggling Defense

The Dallas Cowboys hired Mike Pettine on Oct. 12, 2026, as senior defensive assistant to support defensive coordinator Christian Parker. Coach Brian Schottenheimer announced it Monday. Dallas is 2-3 after a 24-16 loss to Tampa Bay that included a season-high 419 yards allowed to a Buccaneers team starting undrafted free agent Jalon Daniels. The Cowboys allow nearly 400 yards per game, more than 168 rushing yards per game (last in the NFL), and 27.2 points per game. Owner Jerry Jones said after the loss they were "right where we started relative to our defense." Schottenheimer said he and Parker discussed Pettine in the spring, when Pettine stayed retired, and moved when Pettine wanted back after Italy. Pettine, 60, was Green Bay defensive coordinator when he hired Parker in 2019; they worked together 2018-20. He and Schottenheimer overlapped on the Jets. Pettine went 10-22 as Browns head coach (2014-15) and was DC for the Jets, Bills and Packers. Schottenheimer called him a trusted friend who will support Parker's leadership. After a Ravens loss, Wink Martindale said on a podcast Parker was "being outclassed right now" and that Jones could call him to help the coordinator. Pettine was expected in the next day; Dallas visits Green Bay next.