Cowboys bring Pettine out of retirement to support Parker’s defense

The Cowboys added Mike Pettine as a senior defensive assistant Monday, bringing an experienced coordinator out of retirement to support Christian Parker in his first season running Dallas’ defense.

Brian Schottenheimer said Pettine’s role will support Parker’s leadership. The two defensive coaches previously worked together in Green Bay, and Schottenheimer said the Cowboys had discussed adding a veteran voice when Parker was hired.

Pettine was expected to arrive Tuesday. His return gives Parker another coach familiar with the defensive system and with the demands of coordinating an NFL unit.

The announcement followed Dallas’ 24–16 loss to Tampa Bay on Thursday. The previously winless Buccaneers gained 419 yards while starting undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels in place of Baker Mayfield, according to Associated Press reporting published by NBC 5 DFW. Dallas fell to 2–3 ahead of Sunday’s visit to Green Bay.

Schottenheimer said the hire would have happened regardless of the Tampa Bay result. He and Parker had approached Pettine earlier in the year, but Pettine initially chose to remain retired. The opening was filled when he decided he wanted to return to coaching.

Parker continues to lead the unit, with Pettine joining in an assistant role. Schottenheimer described him as a trusted colleague of both coaches and said familiarity should help him contribute quickly.

Pettine, 60, spent the past four seasons on Minnesota’s defensive staff. His earlier coordinator stops included the Jets, Bills and Packers, and he was Cleveland’s head coach in 2014 and 2015. His time directing Green Bay’s defense overlapped with Parker’s work there.

Schottenheimer also has a history with Pettine from their years coordinating opposite sides of the ball for the Jets. The Cowboys’ official announcement emphasized that shared experience and Pettine’s understanding of the 3–4 defensive family.

For Dallas, the immediate task remains preparing the defense for Green Bay. Schottenheimer has added an experienced coach who already knows the coordinator and the system.

Sources

Mike Pettine joins as senior defensive assistant · AP/NBC 5 DFW: Pettine hire follows Cowboys’ defensive struggles