New Cowboys Coach Mike Pettine Explains Joining Staff Midseason, 'I Think I Can Help a Lot'

Former Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine says he feels he can help the Dallas Cowboys "a lot" after joining the team as a senior defensive assistant ahead of Week 6.

Pettine told reporters Friday he plans to start out by observing meetings and sitting down with first-year defensive coordinator Christian Parker for one-on-one film review sessions.

"I think I can help a lot," Pettine said. "It's funny, I have about a four-inch thick book of what not to do, and a very thin one of what to do. So, I think that's key, is being able to learn from others' mistakes. As much as you think you're prepared for it, you're really not until you get into it. And I think that's where I'll be able to help him."

Parker described Pettine as someone who could serve as his "right-hand man" when speaking to reporters Thursday. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said the same day to 105.3 The Fan he expected Pettine to report directly to him.

Past roles for Pettine included working as defensive coordinator for the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills and Green Bay Packers, where he was responsible for hiring Parker in 2019.

He most recently worked on the Minnesota Vikings' coaching staff from 2022 until coach Kevin O'Connell announced Pettine's retirement last January.

Pettine told reporters Friday he had the opportunity to accept a role with the Cowboys during spring OTAs but decided to spend time with family instead. He then received a call from Parker while recently on vacation in Italy.

"When somebody you care about reaches out, I just felt I needed to answer the call," Pettine said.

He continued, "I'm just obviously trying to hit the ground running here. I feel like I'm trying to sip water from a firehose. I'm trying to get caught up on all the film, and make observations here and there, but I'm just here to support both him and Schotty and the rest of the defensive staff any way I can."

Parker spent the past two season as passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach for the Philadelphia Eagles before he was hired to serve on Schottenheimer's defensive coordinator this offseason.

After a 2-3 start to the campaign during which the Cowboys allowed the second-most yards against in the NFL, owner Jerry Jones said on 105.3 The Fan he planned to move Parker from the sideline to the booth.

Schottenheimer said more recently on 105.3 The Fan he expected Parker to remain on the sideline while Pettine worked in the booth. The Cowboys will be testing that arrangement against one of the NFL's most effective passing attacks when kicking off Week 6 against Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers this Sunday at Lambeau Field.