FRISCO, Texas — If the Dallas Cowboys have the defensive turnaround they’re expecting, no one will get more credit than Christian Parker.The first-time defensive coordinator is being viewed by some as the potential savior to a group that was arguably the worst in franchise history.Before Wednesday’s minicamp practice at The Star, Parker was asked if he’s comfortable with the following title: Defensive Coordinator/Franchise Savior.“The first one, yes,” he responded. “Because that’s what I do. The second one, no. Because it’s about the collective (group) and I think that we’re all equally responsible for that, for the good and the bad. I’m just trying to do my part.”George Pickens does not plan to hold outJon MachotaKnowing what Dallas’ defense will be during the season is difficult to project from watching offseason practices where players aren’t even wearing full pads. But there are signs that it should be an organized bunch that communicates better than it did a year ago.In a video recently posted on the team’s official website, a mic’d up Parker can be heard repeating over and over again “overcommunicate” while calling in plays over his handheld radio.“If you’re in a position of communication and you’re commanding and you’re responsible for checks and things we have to do, that’s what you have to do,” he said. “Whether you say a thousand words outside of these walls or two, it doesn’t matter. When we’re on that grass, it’s a premium.”Communication was also mentioned when Parker was describing his last five months since being hired. The former Philadelphia Eagles defensive passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach continues to have a short commute to work, living at the team hotel located at The Star.“It’s been good,” he said. “Obviously it’s a lot, it’s an increase in responsibility. It’s an increase in even my communication. … Everything has been great in terms of the communication. There are very clear expectations of what I need to do and what the staff needs to do.”Parker’s specialty is the defensive backfield. That’s the position group he has coached for the majority of his career, which started in the college ranks in 2013. But he wouldn’t have his current job if he didn’t have a great understanding of every position group.“He’s extremely smart when it comes down to the defense and how he sees the game,” Cowboys Pro Bowl defensive lineman Quinnen Williams said. “(He) just kind of opened my eyes on when I can take my shots, when I can do certain things. Even constructive criticism from what he sees I need to work on from his point of view, and what he feels like I can do better from his point of view. And the respect that he has for me, I have for him.”When training camp starts in late July, there will be a better feel for what Dallas’ new defense will look like going against Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens and what should again be one of the NFL’s best offenses.“We don’t want to put training wheels on anything,” Parker said. “We want to go head-first into it.”Cowboys offensive coordinator Klayton Adams believes Parker and his assistant coaches are building their unit the right way.“I’ve always said with that kind of family of defenses, it travels well around the league because it’s fundamental,” Adams added. “They set edges, they understand their checks and coverage, they play splits, they coach things in coverage with very much detail.”Parker has never called a defense during a game. Training camp practices with the Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints will help. Then their three preseason games to get everything ironed out for the season opener in New Jersey on Sept. 13.Parker acknowledges that the play-calling aspect is a “huge” part of his job. It doesn’t matter what happens during practice if it doesn’t translate to the field on Sundays.The Cowboys’ first game will be Parker’s first as a play caller. (Jon Machota / The Athletic)What happens when an opponent has the game plan figured out? How does Parker and his group adjust during a game?“Every play caller had to call his first game at some point and time, so I really don’t think about that too much,” he said. “It’s going to be what it’s going to be. I know what the expectations are whether I’m 65 and a 20-year play caller or 34 and a first-time one, the result needs to look the same. We take that seriously. I don’t really overthink that part.”Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has joked about the defense being better because it can’t be any worse. But with the addition of several key players like Caleb Downs, Malachi Lawrence, Rashan Gary, Jalen Thompson, Cobie Durant and Dee Winters, Parker has a chance to have a much improved group. Their play will likely determine if the Cowboys return to the playoffs.If they do, few will get more credit than Parker.“(Last year) had nothing to do with me,” he said, “so I was moreso focused on how we were going to move forward and make sure that we had the right mindset and approach in terms of what we believe in and how we want to play defense.”Jun 18, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms