Dallas Cowboys Hired Mike Pettine
The veteran NFL coach joins the Cowboys staff to bolster the team's struggling defensive performance.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Football
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The Dallas Cowboys have added Mike Pettine as a senior defensive assistant to the team. Brian Schottenheimer announced the hiring during a Monday press conference.
Why it matters
The team sought to improve defensive performance following a slow start to the season. The addition brings veteran leadership to a unit currently ranking near the bottom of the league in key statistical categories.
The Cowboys currently hold a 2-3 record while ranking 26th in points allowed and 31st in total yards allowed this season.
The players
Mike Pettine
He is an experienced NFL coach who has previously served as a defensive coordinator for the Jets, Bills, and Packers, and as head coach for the Browns.
Brian Schottenheimer
He is a coach for the Dallas Cowboys who formally announced the addition of Pettine to the defensive staff.
Christian Parker
He is a coach who has previously worked alongside Mike Pettine.
The details
Mike Pettine joined the staff after previous professional associations with Brian Schottenheimer and Christian Parker. He brings extensive experience as a coordinator and head coach across multiple NFL franchises.
Timeline
Mike Pettine served as Jets defensive coordinator from 2009 to 2012.
Pettine ran the Bills defense in 2013.
Pettine served as Browns head coach from 2014 to 2015.
Pettine served as Packers defensive coordinator from 2018 to 2020.
Pettine finished his tenure as assistant head coach in Minnesota in 2025.
Season Trajectory
This staff addition follows a pattern set by the NFL's annual defensive performance ranking metrics as teams seek mid-season corrections. The move aims to reverse the team's defensive standing and improve the Cowboys' competitive position in the division.
The Cowboys' defense must improve its 31st-place ranking in yards allowed to remain competitive in the NFC playoff picture. Fans should monitor the team's defensive efficiency in upcoming matchups to see if this change produces a statistically significant impact on scoring drives.
The takeaway
The hiring of Mike Pettine highlights the organizational effort to correct significant defensive shortcomings early in the season. Success will ultimately depend on whether this veteran coaching addition can translate into improved on-field execution for the team's struggling defensive unit.
Further reading
For more on the team's current season, visit Dallas Football.
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