Jerry Jones’ Cowboys had one of the worst defenses in the league this past season. The unit surrendered the third-most yards per game (377) while also giving up an NFL-high (30.1) points per game. In response, Dallas hired Christian Parker as their new defensive coordinator last week and has now also parted ways with a handful of defensive staffers.

“As part of the defensive coaching changes with the Cowboys, Andre Curtis, David Overstreet II, and Dave Borgonzi will not return for the 2026 season, according to a person with knowledge of the decision.” Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News shared on Monday.

By the end of the season, there was no need to waste time figuring out what the problem was. The answer was evident. And with Parker on board, shakeups within the staff are inevitable. Interestingly, all three, Curtis, Overstreet, and Borgonzi, were part of Matt Eberflus’ staff during his time with the Chicago Bears. And then, all of them made the move to Dallas last offseason when Eberflus took over as defensive coordinator.

But he was fired at the end of the season after only one year with the team.

This outcome was hardly surprising.

Curtis and Overstreet oversaw a secondary that bled points, allowing the second-most passing touchdowns in the league with 35. Even the unit was never healthy. Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland both missed extended time, while safeties Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker also spent stretches on the sideline.

Because of that, the back end felt patched together week after week. The secondary also dealt with its share of injuries.

The Cowboys’ third-round pick, Shavon Revel, opened his career behind schedule while rehabbing an ACL, which left depth thin early. On top of that, the linebacker room took its own hits.

Jack Sanborn, signed to anchor the middle, landed on injured reserve in early November with a groin issue. As a result, Kenneth Murray slid inside. Although he led the team in tackles, his overall play swung wildly, adding to the defensive inconsistency.

That said, the coaching staff revamp might not be over yet, as defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton is lined up to interview for the Titans’ defensive coordinator job. And according to insider Brandon Loree, the Cowboys will have to find a new pass game coordinator, secondary/cornerbacks coach, and linebackers coach.

However, Jerry Jones is not just cutting ties or changing coaches; he is also doing everything he can to retain those he likes.

Jerry Jones blocks one Cowboys coach from talking to NFC East rivals

As per reports, the Philadelphia Eagles reached out to speak with Cowboys offensive coordinator Klayton Adams, but Jerry Jones slammed that door shut.

ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler reported that Dallas blocked Adams from interviewing with their division rivals.

“The Eagles requested to interview Cowboys OC Klayton Adams for their offensive coordinator job, but Dallas blocked the request, per league sources,” he wrote on X.

The Eagless move is understandable.

They moved on from Kevin Patullo after a season that never found rhythm. The Eagles finished near the bottom of the league in total yards, passing output, and rushing balance. Those issues showed up all year and came crashing down in the wild-card loss to the 49ers, which ended the run earlier than expected.

Still, from Jerry Jones’ point of view, this decision was simple. Adams delivered right away in his first year in Dallas. The Cowboys’ offense finished second in the league, averaging 391.9 yards per game. They also ranked second in passing with 266.3 yards per game and stayed in the top ten on the ground with 125.6 yards per game (ninth).

So, letting that architect walk, especially to an NFC East rival, was never going to happen. And Adams’ profile only strengthens Jerry’s stance. The 42-year-old joined Dallas after time in Arizona and earned respect for his run-game detail. Because of that, Jones is thinking bigger picture; he is building stability heading into 2026.