Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Cowboys Make Coaching Decision on Thursday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jan 29, 2026 4:56 PM ET

The Dallas Cowboys ’ coaching staff will look very different in 2026. Brian Schottenheimer is expected to reprise his role as head coach after a rather forgettable first season at the helm. The Cowboys finished 7-9-1, missing the NFL playoffs for the second straight season.

The biggest changes in the coaching ranks are on the defensive side. They fired defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus after just one season. Multiple defensive assistants under Eberflus were either fired or have left. Last week, the Cowboys successfully poached Christian Parker from the Philadelphia Eagles as their new DC, officially marking a new era for the team.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer.Amber Searls-Imagn Images

More changes could be coming for the Cowboys as they navigate through the offseason. In fact, reports have indicated that Dallas already has a new cornerbacks coach.

According to NBC’s Pro Football Talk, the Cowboys have hired Ryan Smith as their new CBs coach. Smith is reportedly at the team’s training facility on Thursday for a perfunctory meeting.

Smith joins Dallas after three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, where he also served as CBs coach. Prior to his stint in Arizona, Smith had the same role for the Northwestern University Wildcats during the 2022 season.

Smith had a memorable 2024 season with the Cardinals. Arizona’s defense emerged as one of the best in the NFL, particularly in the second half of the campaign. The surge was led by CB Garrett Williams, who was selected to the All-Pro second team under Smith.

The Cowboys have hired Smith to replace secondary/cornerbacks coach David Overstreet II, who was previously fired. Dallas parted ways with Overstreet, along with defensive passing game coordinator/safeties coach Andre Curtis and linebackers coach Dave Borgonzi.

Defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton will not be back in 2026 as well. Whitecotton moved on to the Tennessee Titans, where he reunited with new head coach Robert Saleh.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: