The Dallas Cowboys are nearing a deal to hire Philadelphia Eagles passing game coordinator Christian Parker as their defensive coordinator, according to two sources with knowledge of the agreement.

Parker interviewed in person Wednesday, with contract finalization underway Thursday, the sources told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity ahead of an official announcement.

The move marks a significant shift for Dallas, which dismantled one of the league's worst defenses last season. The 34-year-old Parker spent two seasons in Philadelphia, where the Eagles won back-to-back NFC East titles and captured the Super Bowl last season—the first repeat divisional champion in 21 years.

A Defense Built on Excellence

Parker arrives with proven pedigree. The Eagles ranked among the NFL's best defenses overall the past two seasons, leading the entire league in pass defense in 2024. That success wasn't coincidental: cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean—both drafted in 2023—made All-Pro in their second seasons under Parker's tutelage.

"Mannnn," DeJean wrote on X. "They got a great one — wouldn't be the player I am without CP."

Dallas in Desperate Need of Repair

The Cowboys desperately need Parker's expertise. Dallas gave up 511 points last season—a franchise record—and finished at or near the bottom in points allowed, total yards, passing yards allowed, and takeaways. The defense was plagued by blown assignments in the secondary and poor tackling.

The collapse cost the team dearly. Despite Dak Prescott's best season, Dallas finished 7-9-1 and missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year. It marked the first playoff miss with a healthy Prescott since 2019.

Matt Eberflus, the previous defensive coordinator, lasted just one season before being fired—less than a year after the Chicago Bears dismissed him mid-season as head coach.

Breaking Tradition

Parker becomes the Cowboys' first defensive coordinator without prior head coaching experience since Monte Kiffin 13 years ago. Dallas had cycled through five consecutive defensive coordinators who all had previous head coaching roles.

Parker brings extensive experience working under defensive mastermind Vic Fangio. He served as Fangio's defensive backs coach in Denver in 2021 before joining him in Philadelphia. Parker's career spans college ranks at Texas A&M and Notre Dame, plus NFL stops with Green Bay, Denver, and Philadelphia.