The Cowboys’ coaching staff on the defensive side of the ball is getting the makeover that most fans felt was desperately needed after a disappointing season. The special teams underwhelmed, too, but coordinator Nick Sorensen won’t suffer the same fate as Matt Eberflus. According to Stephen Jones, Sorensen is expected to remain in place for 2026.

(Speaking from the Senior Bowl, Jones also confirmed that extension talks have begun with running back Javonte Williams after his comeback in a Cowboys uniform led to a career-best year for the 25-year-old.)

No new hires or interviews to speak of on Tuesday, but some hints are starting to emerge about what new DC Christian Parker may have in mind for the Dallas defense. Will McClay says Parker definitely has a vision and promises “exciting things,” keeping things a mystery for now… something that could actually work very much in the Cowboys’ favor.

Lunda Wells had a successful debut as a head coach, with his West squad winning the Shrine Bowl in Frisco on Tuesday night. That all-star game showcased some strong collegiate talent who the Cowboys should be watching (like the game’s defensive MVP), but it could prove to be the swan song for Wells in Dallas; he’s expected to interview for Pittsburgh’s offensive coordinator job under Mike McCarthy.

Speaking of the former Cowboys coach, McCarthy’s introductory press conference in the Steel City was an emotional affair for the native Pittsburgher, and he even revealed that he’d love a reunion with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, despite their awkward breakup in Green Bay. The Broncos have ousted their OC in a surprise move, just two days after putting up one touchdown in a snowy AFC title game. Also in coaching news, Buffalo has named their next head coach, and former Giants head coach Brian Daboll has landed in Nashville… but may still have HC offers to come.

The top story around the league, though, is the bombshell Hall of Fame vote that has eight-time Super Bowl winner Bill Belichick somehow not being good enough to get a bronze bust on his first try. Early indications are that some voters felt the specters of Spygate and Deflategate were enough to warrant making the coach wait at least a year. And while we’re on the subject, there’s a fascinating history you probably don’t know about the man who it’s said came up with the idea of giving Hall of Famers that now-iconic gold jacket.

Dallas Cowboys Top Headlines

• Cowboys retaining special teams coordinator Nick Sorensen for 2026 season :: Dallas Morning News (Link)
• Cowboys assistant expected to interview with Mike McCarthy for Steelers OC job :: Cowboys Wire (Link)
• Stephen Jones says Dallas Cowboys have begun extension talks with this free agent :: Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Link)
• Will McClay on Christian Parker hire, Cowboys draft and free agency approach, more :: The Mothership (Link)
• Uncharted waters: Cowboys Christian Parker has mystery on his side :: Cowboys Wire (Link)
• 3-4 incoming? Cowboys interview of Steelers coach hints at new defense :: Cowboys Wire (Link)
• Cowboys could learn from the Patriots, Seahawks’ Super Bowl paths :: Cowboys Wire (Link)
• 2026 Shrine Bowl standouts that make sense for the Cowboys :: The Mothership (Link)
• Dak Prescott’s 10-year stats are eerily close to those of a soon-to-be Hall of Famer :: The Landry Hat (Link)

NFL Coaching News & Headlines

• Mike McCarthy gets emotional in first Steelers press conference :: Steelers Wire (Link)
• Broncos fire offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, 2 others days after playing in AFC championship :: Yahoo Sports (Link)
• Titans set to hire Brian Daboll as Robert Saleh’s offensive coordinator :: SI.com (Link)
• Joe Brady agrees to terms to be the next Buffalo Bills head coach :: BuffaloBills.com (Link)

News & Headlines from Around the NFL

• Sources: Bill Belichick will not be a first-ballot Hall of Famer :: ESPN (Link)
• New Steelers coach Mike McCarthy ‘definitely’ wants Aaron Rodgers for the 2026 season :: CBS Sports (Link)
• Browns rookie QB Shedeur Sanders added to Pro Bowl Games roster as replacement :: NFL.com (Link)
• His family says he designed Hall of Fame’s gold jacket, claims ‘NFL erased him from history’ :: The Athletic (Link)