Cowboys Hire Mike Pettine To Bring Life To Struggling Defense

Dallas Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer announced he hired Mike Pettine as the Cowboys’ new senior defensive assistant. 

Pettine has worked alongside Schottenheimer as coordinators under Rex Ryan with the New York Jets. As coordinators, they reached the AFC Championship Game in 2009 and 2010; Pettine’s defense racked up wins against top offenses led by quarterbacks such as Carson Palmer, Phillip Rivers, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.

This new addition to one of the league’s worst defenses will not take long to click, as Pettine previously worked with Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker. Pettine gave Parker his first NFL job in 2019, when Pettine was the Green Bay Packers’ defensive coordinator.

“He’s gonna be here in a role to support everything that CP is leading and guiding,” Schottenheimer said.

Pettine spent years in the NFL, starting his career as a defensive coach with the Baltimore Ravens in 2002. He also spent two years as head coach of the Cleveland Browns during the 2014 and 2015 seasons. Most recently, he was the assistant head coach and outside linebackers coach for the Minnesota Vikings.

“I think Pett’s experience, not only in football, but his experience in this system of what we do,” Schottheimer said. “His understanding of the 3-4 family. He has the awareness of some of our players: Kenny Clark, Rashan Gary. He was the coordinator when CP was there. So, I think it’s just a great fit and just a guy who certainly brings a bunch of experience to the staff, myself included.”  

Through five weeks, the Cowboys’ defense ranks 26th in the NFL in points allowed, 25th in passing touchdowns allowed, 29th in average yards per carry allowed, 32nd in third-down efficiency, and 25th in red zone efficiency. This defense has allowed 20 or more points in every game, with two allowing 30 or more.

Following their Week 5 loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who started undrafted rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels, the defensive unit held a players-only meeting. After the meeting, players said the issue so far is on them, not Parker and the rest of the coaching staff.

“It really wasn’t like a fire drill conversation,” DeMarvion Overshown said. “It was more so what can I do to help you? What do I expect from you on Sundays or even Monday walkthroughs?”

“We got to talk to each other like that because the ship is only going to go as far as the weakest person on the boat. So as long as we all in this together, I think we’re going to be great. I know we’re gonna be great.”

The Cowboys’ latest test will be against the Green Bay Packers, whose offense seemed to come back to life following their win over the Chicago Bears.