The Dallas Cowboys have taken a measured, methodical approach to filing out their defensive staff this offseason. The process that landed them on hiring 34-year old Christian Parker as their new defensive coordinator showed a patience and depth rarely seen in defensive hires during the 15 years since Wade Phillips was fired.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer led an insightful search for the perfect fit, landing on the Philadelphia Eagles‘ passing game coordinator to become a first-time play caller. Now, Parker is extending that metlculous nature to rounding out his staff. On Saturday Parker made his first two hires, bringing aboard Derrick Ansley and Ryan Smith.
The Cowboys have agreed to deals with Derek Ansley (defensive pass game coordinator, defensive backs) and Ryan Smith (secondary), per source. Defensive staff starting to form.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) January 31, 2026
Ansley, 44, takes on the Cowboys’ defensive passing game coordinator role; which one would gather hold immense importance to Parker considering that was his role prior to getting this gig. Ansley served in this role for the last two years in Green Bay, working under Jeff Hafley, who is now the head coach for the Miami Dolphins.
During each’s first year in Wisconsin, Ansley saw safety Xavier McKinney became a First-Team All-Pro, checking in with eight interceptions. He followed that up with a second-team All-Pro in 2025.
Ansley also spent the final of his three years with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023 as their defensive coordinator. As the DB coach in 2021 and 2022, he oversaw the return of Derwin James from a major knee injury in 2020, helping him to a Second-Team All-Pro in that ’22 season. A former graduate assistant for Nick Saban, Ansley is a former safety who played alongside DeMarcus Ware at Troy.
He’s been coaching in the NFL since 2018, and called plays as defensive coordinator at the University of Tennessee.
Another hire that aligns with their stated vision. Teacher, pattern match scheme expert. More from the saban side of things, but has experience with Staley as well. Knows how to train CBs to play in systems with rules. https://t.co/XHvCFSG68z
— ₗₐₙᴰₒₙ (@McCoolBCB) January 31, 2026
Derrick Ansley
There’s a theme with these hires
-energy
-teaching
-ENERGY pic.twitter.com/r2gk7qN9AX— (Foots The King) (@FootsDaKing) February 1, 2026
Smith’s hiring, which was reported earlier in the week, became official on Saturday as well. The former CB coach of the Arizona Cardinals will be the primary position coach for defensive backs in Dallas.
Dallas still has several assistant positions remaining to be filled. They’ve added three coaches to the interview slate this weekend, to add to three others interviewed during the week.
- Eric Henderson (USC run-game coordinator) SUNDAY
- Denzel Martin (Steelers OLB coach) SATURDAY
- Ronell WIlliams (Eagles assistant LB coach) SATURDAY
- Robert Livingston (University of Colorado DC)
- Marcus Dixon (Vikings DL coach)
- Zach Orr (Ravens DC)
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys hire Derrick Ansley, interview 3 more defensive coaches