The Dallas Cowboys are set to hire SMU defensive coordinator Scott Symons as their new inside linebackers coach, according to sources. Symons has spent the past four seasons leading SMU's defense, helping the Mustangs reach the College Football Playoff in 2024.

During his tenure at SMU, Symons was a semifinalist for the Broyles Award in 2024 and had been nominated for the honor in each of the last three seasons. His defenses finished seventh nationally in run defense and 10th in sacks in 2024. Before SMU, he served as defensive coordinator at Liberty after stops at Memphis and West Georgia.

Symons will join a Cowboys defensive staff now led by coordinator Christian Parker, who came over from the Philadelphia Eagles. The Cowboys' move to hire Symons continues their trend of bringing in successful college defensive minds. SMU may look internally for his replacement, with Maurice Crum, who has served as co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach since 2024, as a potential candidate.