The Dallas Cowboys are leaving no stone unturned on their path to attaining a rejuvenated coaching squad. Despite the team’s decision to retain Brian Schottenheimer as the head coach, the management conducted a complete overhaul, including the hiring of Christian Parker. Coaching changes have kept coming since Mark Eberflus’ departure, and the latest addition could be the team’s new outside linebackers coach. Here’s everything you need to know about the mentor set to work with DeMarvion Overshown, Shemar James, and the rest of the unit.

The update came after the latest addition of the team’s defensive line coach, Marcus Dixon. Dixon came as a replacement for Aaron Whitecotton, who left to reunite with Robert Saleh on the Tennessee Titans’ staff. The 41-year-old Georgia native is no stranger to Dallas. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2008, signing with the Cowboys as a defensive end. Dixon later played for the New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, and Titans before moving into coaching.

But why is Schottenheimer heavily focused on making such notable changes? This mainly comes out of two reasons: the team’s disappointing season-end result and their plans for the upcoming season. Reports from Sports Illustrated suggested that the Cowboys’ front office is focused on reshaping the defense, especially the secondary. Team leaders want younger coaches and players who can bring new ideas and update a system that has fallen behind the rest of the league. However, despite the plan’s potential, the timing has turned out to be a real concern.

The team is heading into free agency with 15 players set to hit the open market. While the attention and money shift toward fixing the defense, the offense could take a back seat. That puts pressure on Dak Prescott’s situation, as resources may be stretched thin just as he appears most comfortable and effective in his role.

The GM, Jerry Jones, however, sees this as a positive situation and is now looking forward to making the most out of it. “That’s where we’ve had our most success is really trying to go through our list of needs and trying to fill those in free agency,” Jones said, per Roundtable. “Then that allows us to cut and shoot when it gets to the draft and get the best player available. So that’s certainly our goals.”

While the ongoing decisions might confuse many, experienced individuals view them as determined moves. Amid the changes, a coaching legend also took time to heap praise on the new head coach.

Jimmy Johnson applauds Brian Schottenheimer’s strategy to rebuild the defense

Brian Schottenheimer did his best to utilise the available market resources following the team’s 7-9 finish. After becoming the new head coach, his impact has been visible as several positions are now filled with new faces, especially on the defensive front. Following a set of decisions from Schottenheimer, the Cowboys’ coaching legend Jimmy Johnson stepped forward to applaud the commendable approach he introduced in team building. According to Johnson, Schottenheimer played his part well, but the problems erupted in the defense, which he has already discussed with Jerry Jones.

“As far as the Cowboys, you know, Brian Schottenheimer did an outstanding job in a difficult situation last year, they were just horrible on defense. I think if they can make some corrections on defense, in fact I talked to Jerry Jones not too awful long ago, after the season, I said, ‘You can make some corrections on defense,'” Johnson said during an appearance onThe Pat McAfee Show.

The struggles that Johnson identified are clearly reflected in the defensive numbers for the last season. In his first season as defensive coordinator, the Cowboys allowed 29.8 points per game, marking their ranking as last in the NFL. This also indicated massive struggles across pass defense, red zone stops, third downs, takeaways, and yards allowed. In light of this, Eberflus firmly stepped forward to accept responsibility, saying the blame starts with him and the coaching staff. With the accountability now clear, the Cowboys can move ahead without any further confusion. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer and defensive coordinator Christian Parker have already made notable changes, and now it is time for them to make decisions in the draft. Decisions that count!