Jerry Jones Rejects Dallas Cowboys Coaching Changes
The Dallas Cowboys owner confirmed his coaching staff will remain despite the team currently holding a 2-4 record.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Football
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Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones stated he does not intend to replace any coaching staff this season following the teams 2-4 start. Jones expressed that the team must instead focus on addressing tactical concerns to improve current performance.
Why it matters
The decision to maintain current staff underscores a commitment to internal solutions rather than a mid-season overhaul. Jones indicated that the front office will shift focus toward roster moves to support the team before the November trade deadline.
The Cowboys currently rank 30 out of 32 teams on defense and have scored 29 total points across their last two games.
The players
Jerry Jones
He is the long-time owner, president, and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys.
Mike Pettine
He is an NFL coach who was recently hired as a defensive assistant for the Dallas Cowboys.
Christian Parker
He serves as the current defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys franchise.
Brian Schottenheimer
He is a second-year coach for the Dallas Cowboys who works on offensive strategy.
The details
Jones addressed the organizational strategy during the NFL fall meeting in New York after consulting with Brian Schottenheimer regarding the offenses struggles. The franchise recently hired defensive assistant Mike Pettine to bolster the coaching group led by defensive coordinator Christian Parker.
Timeline
October 20, 2026: Jerry Jones arrived at the NFL owners' meetings.
October 21, 2026: Jerry Jones spoke to the media regarding team coaching status.
November 10, 2026: The official NFL trade deadline.
Season Trajectory
The teams strategy centers on the upcoming November 10, 2026, trade deadline as the final opportunity to adjust the roster before the playoff push. This approach contrasts with typical mid-season coaching changes, signaling an reliance on existing leadership to turn around the 2-4 record.
Fantasy owners should note the current coaching continuity, as offensive play-calling remains under Schottenheimer. Defensive struggles, currently ranking 30th in the league, suggest that upcoming games may continue to feature high-scoring environments for opposing teams.
The takeaway
Jones signals that the front office will prioritize personnel upgrades over structural coaching changes to address the team's defensive ranking. Fans should watch for potential player acquisitions in the coming weeks as the front office aims to salvage the season.
What happens next
The Dallas Cowboys will continue assessing trade options leading up to the NFL trade deadline on November 10, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on the team, visit the Dallas Football section.
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Should struggling professional teams prioritize roster trades over coaching changes to improve their performance?
