Mike Pettine was traveling through Italy, celebrating his 60th birthday, when Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker called a few weeks ago to ask if he would take a role on the staff. Pettine said he answered because a friend in need asked for help. He is finishing his first week as a senior defensive assistant, reuniting with Parker, whom he brought into the NFL as a quality control coach with the Green Bay Packers in 2018.
The idea of joining the staff was first raised in the winter, but Pettine had recently announced his retirement. He visited the Cowboys in the spring and spent a few days with the coaches. He will work in the coaches booth during games while Parker remains on the sideline. Pettine said he is trying to get caught up on film and make observations, but his main goal is to support Parker, head coach Brian Schottenheimer and the rest of the defensive staff in any way he can.
Pettine brings 24 years of NFL experience, including three defensive coordinator stops with the New York Jets (2009-12), Buffalo Bills (2013) and Green Bay (2018-20), along with a two-year run as head coach of the Cleveland Browns (2014-15). He spent the previous four seasons as assistant head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. Parker is in his first year as a coordinator and has just eight years of NFL experience. Pettine said he has learned much from others' mistakes and believes that will help him support Parker.
The defense needs help. Through five games, the Cowboys are 31st in yards allowed per game (395.4) and 25th in points per game (27.2), with no interceptions and just five sacks. Pettine has spent most of his time in the film room studying the Cowboys' personnel and Parker's scheme. He said football is a game of many small details, and the plan should highlight what Dallas does well while taking away what opponents do best.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing