Cowboys head coach and new defensive coordinator Christian Parker announced the team will run a 3‑4 base defense this season, marking the first time since 2012 that the franchise has used that scheme. Parker said the unit will be multiple‑front and will rely on the strength of the defensive line, featuring Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark and Osa Odighizuwa.
The Cowboys have historically used a 4‑3 defense, winning all five of their Super Bowls under that alignment. The 3‑4 was last used in 2012 under Rob Ryan, when DeMarcus Ware recorded 11.5 sacks. Parker brings experience from coaching staffs that ran 3‑4 systems, including Vic Fangio and Mike Pettine.