Sports · American Football · 3 hrs ago
Cowboys add Mike Pettine as senior defensive assistant
The Dallas Cowboys have added Mike Pettine as a senior defensive assistant.
The move came after Dallas lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who had been winless before the game.
Pettine has been an NFL coach for more than two decades and has served as a defensive coordinator for the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills and Green Bay Packers.
He also was head coach of the Cleveland Browns and most recently worked with the Minnesota Vikings.
He will support Christian Parker, the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, and advise other members of the staff.
Pettine and Parker previously worked together in Green Bay, and Pettine has experience with the defensive system the Cowboys use.
Coach Brian Schottenheimer said Pettine was expected to begin work the following day.
The Dallas Cowboys have added Mike Pettine as a senior defensive assistant.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said Pettine will support defensive coordinator Christian Parker.
Pettine has previously been a defensive coordinator for the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills and Green Bay Packers.
He most recently worked with the Minnesota Vikings and defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
Pettine, 60, had retired from football after last season before agreeing to join the Cowboys.
- Who
- Mike Pettine, the Dallas Cowboys and head coach Brian Schottenheimer.
- What
- Pettine has joined the coaching staff as a senior defensive assistant.
- When
- The announcement was published on October 12, 2026.
- Where
- The Dallas Cowboys, based in Frisco, Texas.
- Why
- Schottenheimer said Pettine’s experience and familiarity with the defensive system make him a good fit to support Christian Parker and the staff.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Cowboys lost to the previously winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Cowboys announced Pettine’s appointment as senior defensive assistant.
Schottenheimer said Pettine was expected to report to the team.
- New role
- Senior defensive assistant
- Age
- 60
- Former defensive coordinator roles
- New York Jets, Buffalo Bills and Green Bay Packers
- Most recent team
- Minnesota Vikings
- Previous head-coaching role
- Cleveland Browns
What people are saying
Had a chance to work with Pettine for a number of years, along with the Jets, and he's gonna be here in a role to support everything that [Christian Parker] is leading and guiding, and we are really, really excited
He's an excellent football coach that is going to help us under the leadership of Christian Parker, and also has value for the entire staff.
Sources
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