Locked On Cowboys Podcast:

"SURPRISE: 3 Under-The-Radar Candidates The Cowboys Are CONSIDERING For Defensive Coordinator Job!"
Hosts: Marcus Mosher & Landon McCool
Date: January 16, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool break down three lesser-known but intriguing candidates the Dallas Cowboys are reportedly considering for their open Defensive Coordinator position. The trio discussed are Christian Parker (Eagles), DeMarcus Covington (Packers), and Charlie Bullen (Giants). The hosts analyze each candidate’s background, coaching philosophy, and fit with the Cowboys, as well as the broader strategy behind Dallas’s ongoing DC search. The episode is insight-rich, blending context, NFL trends, and inside-baseball coaching connections.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Christian Parker: The Up-and-Comer from Philadelphia

• Background & Resume

  • DB coach for the Eagles (under Vic Fangio); previously with Broncos.
  • Known for developing young corners Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean with quick impact.
  • Had a direct hand in Patrick Surtain II and Justin Simmons’ development in Denver.
  • Denver’s secondary ranked 7th in yards allowed per game in 2022, with Parker as secondary coach.
  • Age: 34 — among the younger coaches on the interview circuit.

• Coaching Style & Relevance

  • Deep experience in Vic Fangio’s “quarters” system and coverage-heavy philosophies.
  • Emphasis on communication and teaching complex defensive backfield rules.
  • Demonstrated ability to bring young DBs up to speed quickly.
  • “What he does now is that he’s a coach for the Eagles, which is a bad thing as far as, you know, a personality choice…” — Landon [02:30], joking about the Eagles-Cowboys rivalry.

• Cowboys’ Rationale

  • Dallas appears focused on coaches with secondary expertise, signaling a desire to improve coverage schemes/rules and young cornerback development.
  • “It’s the backend that needs the most work. And if they can fix that part of their defense, they probably feel pretty good that you can at least get to an average level.” — Marcus [05:12]

• Risk and Reward

  • Parker’s relatively short resume as an NFL coach is noted as a risk.
  • “This is a pretty big step to go from a passing game coordinator to a defensive coordinator on the biggest stage of the Cowboys... but it is definitely a risk.” — Marcus [07:37]

• Meta Commentary

  • Hosts praise Dallas’s thorough, non-rushed interview process and willingness to explore younger, upstart coaches.
  • “It just makes sense to do it this way. Even if you're not hiring Parker... just to kind of get some of these younger guys in here and pick their brain, I think that has value in itself.” — Landon [10:08]

Notable Quotes

• “If you can just kind of raise the floor all around and then cover up any holes you have with scheme, that’s a much quicker formula…” — Landon [05:12]
• “His name comes up a lot... It's good to see him kind of get some interviews, and it's really good to see the Cowboys recognize that and bring him in as well.” — Landon [08:36]

2. DeMarcus Covington: Versatile, Belichick-Rooted Candidate

• Background & Resume

  • Current Packers defensive line coach and run game coordinator.
  • Spent 7 years with the Patriots, was DC in 2024 (in a rough season for New England).
  • Worked closely under Bill Belichick and Brian Flores, with exposure to both coaching styles.
  • Former wide receiver who switched sides to defense during his career.

• Coaching Style & Influences

  • Demonstrates flexibility, playing significant amounts of man coverage (third highest in NFL in 2024).
  • Ties to both Belichick's “multiple” defense ideology and Flores's more aggressive, man-blitzing approach. It’s unclear which philosophy he leans toward.
  • “Is this going to be more of a Bill Belichick style of defense? Is it a more of a Brian Flores? Because those are two totally different things.” — Marcus [15:55]

• Assessment of Performance

  • Packers’ late-season struggles (especially after losing Micah Parsons) noted, but hosts caution against judging based strictly on this, as Covington wasn’t calling plays.
  • “I just have a hard time judging a coach based on what a defense does if they're not calling plays...” — Marcus [15:55]

• Strategic Interviewing

  • Interview may be for a role other than DC; Dallas casts a wide net, seeking knowledge transfer and network opportunities.
  • “These interviews are all multi purpose... not just about going to find a defensive coordinator, it's about picking your brain about what you guys did over there and maybe other candidates that they're interviewing.” — Landon [18:42]

• Meta Strategy

  • Interviewing now could position Dallas for future hires if Covington becomes available.
  • “Maybe he's not the right guy right now, but maybe two years from now Green Bay moves on from that whole staff and he's available and you would love to scoop him up...” — Marcus [19:22]

Notable Quotes

• “Flipping sides of the ball, that is kind of always a weird one to watch out. And I think to me it feels more common to go the other way...” — Landon [17:15]
• “Networking is important. Just like you're in Hollywood for goodness sakes.” — Landon [21:19]

3. Charlie Bullen: The Giants’ Interim DC with Wide NFL Connections

• Background & Resume

  • Interim Defensive Coordinator for the New York Giants; previously outside linebackers/assistant coach in Miami and Arizona (under Vance Joseph).
  • Has worked with coaches including Vance Joseph (Miami, Arizona) and Jim Leonhard (Illinois).
  • Age: 41; played high school football with Scott Tolzien (Dallas coaching tie), and was a former quarterback before moving to defense.

• Coaching Impact

  • Oversaw measurable improvement in Giants’ defense after taking over as interim.
  • “They went from being kind of a disappointing defense... and then suddenly, fire the defensive coordinator, see Bullen take over and the defense starts to play a lot better.” — Landon [24:22]
  • Known as a connector—knowledge from multiple trees (Vance Joseph, Leonard) and linked to several prominent defensive minds.

• Why Cowboys Might Be Interested

  • Not necessarily the DC frontrunner, but provides valuable insight as a division rival’s interim DC—especially for feedback on Dallas's own team.
  • “It doesn't hurt to talk to a division rival defensive coordinator who you played in Week 18 and ask him some questions about, hey, what did you guys think about our offense?” — Marcus [26:50]
  • Could be considered for a specialized assistant role (e.g., pass rush specialist) if another DC hire is made.

• Strategy Insights

  • Like Parker and Covington, illustrates the Cowboys' multifaceted approach—every interview has value, and many may be aimed at future assistant hires, not just DC.
  • “Multi purpose interviews, that's the kind of theme of these guys. And I think it's smart team building, actually going out and doing the work is important.” — Landon [27:27]

Notable Quotes

• “The most important part is they're interviewing these guys as defensive coordinator candidates, but that doesn't necessarily mean that's the job that they are actually looking to hire these guys for.” — Marcus [28:27]
• “Again, smart team building, not predetermining who you're hiring, actually going out and doing the work is important.” — Landon [27:27]

The Cowboys’ Process & Overarching Takeaways

• Deliberate, Thorough Search

  • The Cowboys are embracing a far more extensive, deliberative process than previous DC searches.
  • Willingness to interview young, up-and-coming coaches who bring fresh perspectives.
  • Value in interviewing for both today and possible future hires.
  • Striking a balance between hiring an “It” coach early or sticking with tried-and-true experience.
  • “I like this process. Even if it doesn't lead to necessarily a better hire, I like this process so much better.” — Marcus [09:24]

• Networking and Strategic Information Gathering

  • Interviews are as much about gathering intelligence, networking, and future opportunities as immediate staff needs.
  • “Getting them in the room to find out the cut of their jib or what they believe in. And because like you said, you don't always have the opportunity to talk to these guys...” — Landon [20:29]

• What to Expect Going Forward

  • Dallas is expected to interview 10-12 candidates with possible second-round interviews.
  • The coaching market is fluid; candidates could ultimately land in different roles based on how the rest of the coaching carousel plays out.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Christian Parker Discussion — 01:11 to 10:27
• DeMarcus Covington Discussion — 10:27 to 21:19
• Charlie Bullen Discussion — 21:24 to end (29:27)

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “Do you try to get a guy one or two years early so you beat the rest of the league out for him, or do you go after a more proven name who’s been around for a while?... I don't know, but what I do like here, Landon, is that this doesn't feel like a rushed process.” — Marcus [09:24]
• “Just like you're in Hollywood for goodness sakes. There you go.” — Landon [21:19], on the importance of networking in coaching.
• “It's a who you know game to be in the front office. And that's why it doesn't hurt to talk to more people.” — Landon [20:29]

Conclusion

The episode gives Cowboys fans a deep dive into the ongoing DC search, emphasizing the intelligence and thoroughness of the process while profiling several creative, under-the-radar candidates. The team’s willingness to cast a wide net and focus on emerging coaching talent signals a new era of strategic thinking in the front office. Ultimately, whether or not Dallas lands Parker, Covington, or Bullen, the process itself may yield intel and relationships that pay off for years to come.