Jerry Jones could soon face an unexpected Christian Parker problem

The Dallas Cowboys hired Christian Parker to fix one of the NFL's worst defenses. If he succeeds, Jerry Jones could soon face another challenge as league executives increasingly view the first-year coordinator as a future head coaching candidate.

Jerry Jones faces challenge as Christian Parker rises

Christian Parker arrived in Dallas with a strong reputation for developing defensive backs, but expectations around the 34-year-old have continued to grow before his first regular-season game as the Cowboys' defensive coordinator.

NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe recently said Parker is "on a direct path to being a head coach in this league." Wolfe also predicted the Cowboys' defense would improve after allowing a franchise-record 511 points last season, saying, "Parker is going to change that, book it."

That praise reflects the work Parker has already done elsewhere. During previous coaching stops, he played a role in the development of Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II and helped coach Philadelphia's standout young defensive backs, Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell. Those results made him one of the league's most respected young defensive assistants before Dallas hired him.

The Cowboys also built the roster with Parker's system in mind. Dallas strengthened the defensive front by adding veterans Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark while selecting safety Caleb Downs in the first round. Rashan Gary, DeMarvion Overshown, and Donovan Ezeiruaku also give Parker an experienced group capable of reshaping a defense that struggled with communication and consistency throughout last season.

Parker, however, has shown little interest in personal recognition. During minicamp, he dismissed the idea of being viewed as the franchise's savior. "The first one, yes," Parker said when asked whether he preferred being called defensive coordinator. "The second one, no. Because it's about the collective."

If Dallas returns to playoff contention behind a revitalized defense, Parker's profile will almost certainly continue rising. That would represent exactly the outcome Jones envisioned when making the hire, even if it eventually forces the Cowboys to compete with other teams hoping to make Parker their next head coach.

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