The Dallas Cowboys are set to hire Derrick Ansley, formerly the Green Bay Packers’ pass game coordinator, as reported by CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz. This move aligns with the Cowboys’ defensive strategy, as they previously hired Christian Parker from the Philadelphia Eagles, a team that utilizes a quarters-based defensive system – a system Ansley also has extensive experience with from his time with Alabama, Tennessee, and the Los Angeles Chargers.
Shifting Defensive Strategies
The Cowboys’ decision to select Parker over Jonathan Gannon for their defensive coordinator position was reportedly influenced by Parker’s communication skills with players. Meanwhile, the Packers are also transitioning to a quarters system under Gannon, making Ansley’s departure somewhat unexpected. Green Bay Head Coach Matt LaFleur interviewed four outside candidates for the defensive coordinator role, including Parker, before ultimately choosing Gannon.
The coaching changes in Green Bay extend beyond Ansley’s departure. Linebackers coach Sean Duggan and defensive backs coach Ryan Downard, both with ties to the Miami Dolphins, have also left the Packers to join the Dolphins’ staff. This leaves defensive line coach/run game coordinator DeMarcus Covington as the only remaining 2025 defensive assistant whose status for 2026 is currently unconfirmed.
Financial Implications and Staff Restructuring
The departures appear to be facilitated by the Packers allowing coaches to pursue other opportunities, rather than through firings or expired contracts. This approach allows the team to avoid costly buyout agreements, a standard practice in the NFL. If Covington were to depart as well, it would mark the first time in decades a new Packers defensive coordinator has been able to assemble an entirely new coaching staff, as previous coordinators – Jeff Hafley, Joe Barry, Mike Pettine, and Dom Capers – all retained assistants from prior regimes.
The Packers have already begun rebuilding, hiring Sam Siefkes, who previously coached linebackers under Gannon, and Bobby Babich, whom LaFleur interviewed for the defensive coordinator position in 2024, to coach linebackers and defensive backs, respectively. Gannon’s defensive schemes in Philadelphia and Arizona varied in the number of on-field coaches, utilizing three in Philadelphia and five in Arizona.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defensive system will the Cowboys be utilizing with the addition of Derrick Ansley?
The Cowboys are implementing a quarters-based defensive system, and Ansley’s experience with this system from his previous roles with Alabama, Tennessee, and the Los Angeles Chargers makes him a suitable addition to the coaching staff.
How many assistant coaches have left the Green Bay Packers’ defensive staff?
Three of the four defensive assistants interviewed for the defensive coordinator position have left the Packers: Derrick Ansley, Sean Duggan, and Ryan Downard.
What is the potential impact of the coaching changes on the Packers’ defensive staff size?
Depending on whether DeMarcus Covington remains with the team, the Packers could either have a complete staff or potentially hire three more coaches for the 2026 season, including a potential replacement for Covington, and additional coaches for the line of scrimmage and defensive backs.
How will these coaching changes ultimately impact the on-field performance of both the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers?
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