The Dallas Cowboys are experiencing more changes on their defensive staff, as reports confirm defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton will not return in 2026.
His departure comes as new defensive coordinator Christian Parker builds his own team.
Whitecotton, who joined Dallas in 2025, is moving up the coaching ladder, signing with the Tennessee Titans as their defensive coordinator. He will work under head coach Robert Saleh, reuniting with a familiar colleague, according to NFL Network‘s Ian Rapoport.
Before taking the Titans role, Whitecotton interviewed for the Cowboys‘ defensive coordinator opening, which ultimately went to Parker. Now he moves to the AFC, bringing experience and continuity to Saleh‘s staff.
Whitecotton has a long history with Saleh, having served on the same staff in New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, and Jacksonville Jaguars. His new position gives him his first true coordinator opportunity, reflecting steady career growth.
As for the Cowboys, they are reportedly considering former player Marcus Dixon for the defensive line role. Dixon coached the Minnesota Vikings‘ defensive line from 2024 to 2025, but his contract recently expired, making him available for the Dallas vacancy.
With Daronte Jones leaving Minnesota for a coordinator role with the Washington Commanders, Parker may have multiple options to fill his staff. Dixon could be a strong fit, but the final decision will likely depend on additional interviews and team evaluations.
George Pickens future update: Will he remain with Dallas?
The Cowboys‘ offense produced several breakout performers in 2025, including running back Javonte Williams and wide receiver George Pickens, both of whom exceeded expectations and are set to command significant contracts.
Pickens led Dallas with 93 catches for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns, finishing among the league’s top three receivers. At 24, he is still young and poised for another contract boost, which could make him one of the highest-paid wideouts in the NFL.
CeeDee Lamb‘s massive four-year, $136 million extension ties him to Dallas through 2028, meaning the Cowboys will need creativity to retain Pickens without compromising the salary cap.
According to ESPN‘s Bill Barnwell, the most likely scenario is the Cowboys use the franchise tag to keep Pickens in 2026.
“The problem for Pickens,” Barnwell wrote, “Is that the tippy-top of the wide receiver market has risen faster than the franchise tag for those players.
“The franchise tag for wideouts in 2026 projects to come in at $28.6 million, making it easy for the Cowboys to justify using it.”
Barnwell added that if Pickens proves 2025 wasn’t a one-time performance, the Cowboys will be motivated to sign him long term. If not, he could enter free agency, but for now, the franchise tag appears the most practical path.
With coaching changes underway and young stars like Pickens emerging, the Cowboys are clearly setting the stage for a pivotal 2026 campaign. Can they win the Super Bowl?
