The Christian Parker hire will undoubtedly have ripple effects throughout the Cowboys defense as well as the coaching staff on that side of the ball. The first hints at movement have already started.
The Cowboys, according to a Friday night report from ESPN’s Todd Archer, are set to interview Vikings defensive line coach Marcus Dixon. That development comes on the heels of current DL coach Aaron Whitecotton being requested for an interview with Tennessee, where he is being eyed for the defensive coordinator role under new head coach Robert Saleh.
Whitecotton has been with Saleh in three previous cities, so Dixon’s interview may be a signal that the Cowboys believe Whitecotton- who also met formally with Dallas about their DC opening- is soon to be on the move for a promotion.
Dixon, 41, has been with the Vikings since 2024, guiding his D-line group to outstanding numbers. He previously coached the Broncos defensive line, working alongside Parker for two years prior. Earlier still, he was the assistant DL coach for the Rams in 2021, winning a ring for Super Bowl LVI in his first season on an NFL staff.
If Dixon’s name sounds vaguely familiar, it may be from his playing days as a defensive end. Going undrafted out of Hampton in 2008, Dixon signed with the Cowboys under then-head coach Wade Phillips and spent three seasons on the Dallas practice squad.
After his release in 2010, Dixon was picked up by the Jets and saw action in 22 games- including four starts- over the next three seasons. One-year practice squad stints followed with Kansas City and Tennessee; he finished his playing career in the CFL, suiting up for the BC Lions in 2014.
Dixon first joined the coaching track in 2017 at his alma mater of Hampton, where he stayed for four seasons. Now considered an ascending talent in the NFL, he could have an opportunity to take the Cowboys to the next level.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys to interview Vikings assistant with Denver ties to new DC
Reporting by Todd Brock, Cowboys Wire / Cowboys Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
