Cowboys DC Christian Parker "most likely" coaching from the sideline this week

Published October 15, 2026 01:12 PM It appears Cowboys owner Jerry Jones spoke too soon when it came to where defensive coordinator Christian Parker will be situated during Sunday night’s game against the Packers. Parker has been on the sideline for the first five games of the season, but Jones said during a radio appearance this week that Parker would coach from the booth this week. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said that plans were still being finalized on Wednesday, however, and Parker had his turn to weigh in on Thursday. Parker said at a press conference, via multiple reporters, that the team is still working through a final decision, but that he will “most likely” be remaining on the sideline for the game. If that is the case, the most significant superficial difference to the Cowboys’ defensive approach this week will be the addition of Mike Pettine to the staff as a senior defensive assistant.