The Green Bay Packers can scratch a top defensive coordinator candidate off their list.
According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Dallas Cowboys plan to hire Christian Parker as their new defensive coordinator. It's a big-time move for the Cowboys, and the Packers may end up regretting not finding a way to bring him back to Green Bay.
The Cowboys have stolen an ascending coach from the rival Philadelphia Eagles, where he served as the passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach under Vic Fangio. He has ties to Matt LaFleur, having started his NFL coaching career with the Packers in 2019.
Packers miss out on Christian Parker, leaving less margin for error in their defensive coordinator search
It's unclear how much interest the Packers had in Parker. All we know is that LaFleur scheduled an interview with him, just as he did two years ago when searching for Joe Barry's replacement. Considering how highly respected Parker is and that LaFleur has already worked with him, it's entirely possible the Packers would've had him high on their list.
Eagles All-Pro cornerback Cooper DeJean had high praise for Parker, writing that the Cowboys "got a great one" and that he "wouldn't be the player I am" without Parker.
It could increase the chances of Jonathan Gannon landing in Green Bay, which would be an understandably underwhelming move for the fans. Gannon has experience as a defensive coordinator in the NFL, but it's fair to argue that the Eagles improved after he left, and his Cardinals defenses disappointed.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Gannon is interviewing for the Packers' job on Thursday and Friday.
Green Bay has also interviewed Chicago Bears defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator Al Harris. Raheem Morris would also make sense, given his connection to LaFleur, if he is open to taking a defensive coordinator job. LaFleur is reportedly interested in interviewing Denver Broncos pass game coordinator Jim Leonhard, who Packers fans may remember from his time as the Wisconsin Badgers' defensive coordinator.
The Packers have options, but Parker would've been a home-run hire.
It's a decision LaFleur has to get right. The Packers have a wide-open Super Bowl window, and finding the right defensive coordinator (and other assistant coaches) could make a significant difference. LaFleur has an up-and-down track record when it comes to hiring staff. After hitting on Hafley, he needs to find a replacement who can make a similar impact.
Parker would've been an excellent choice, but the Cowboys moved fast to make it happen.