Losing Christian Parker was perhaps inevitable. He interviewed in person with the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday and made such an impression that in less than a week, the team agreed to a deal to make him its next defensive coordinator. It remains to be seen how the Birds will replace Parker, but it has long been clear that this moment would arrive.

Since the day the Eagles hired Parker in 2024, it was clear he wouldn’t stay in that role for long. He was widely recognized as a rising star in the coaching ranks. It’s fair to say that he was destined for a defensive coordinator position.

As the passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach for the Birds, Christian Parker worked closely with DC Vic Fangio. He has been instrumental in the development of young players like Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell, as both won First-Team All-Pro Honors in their respective second seasons—a feat the Eagles achieved for the first time since Lito Sheppard in 2004.

He also played a key role in developing top defensive backs such as Jaire Alexander and Patrick Surtain. Players spoke highly of him for how detailed he was, how much he helped them improve, and how easily he connected with everyone.

Appreciating Coach Parker’s contributions to his career, Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean reacted to his possible departure to the Dallas Cowboys.

“Mannnn. They got a great one; I wouldn’t be the player I am without Coach CP,” he noted on X.

In fact, under Christian Parker’s supervision, the Eagles led the NFL in passing defense (174.2 yards per game) in the Super Bowl-winning season. But success often comes at a hefty price, and the Eagles already anticipated his exit at the end of this season, considering Vic Fangio is at the helm as the defensive coordinator. With no promotion opportunity, he made the tough choice to leave and explore more opportunities.

However, around the league, many already saw Christian Parker as someone who would become a defensive coordinator in the near future. Within the Eagles, there was also a belief that he could eventually replace Vic Fangio and take over the defense long-term. And so, for the Cowboys, hiring Parker is a clear swing for upside.

In contrast to the Eagle defense, the Dallas Cowboys‘ defense has struggled heavily this season, which is why they fired their former DC, Matt Eberflus. The Cowboys ranked last (32nd) in points allowed and passing yards allowed per game. They also ranked 30th in total yards allowed per game. Therefore, Parker will have a lot to do when he takes charge.

Meanwhile, let’s see who could likely fill Parker’s shoes in Philadelphia.

Joe Kasper and Roy Anderson emerge as leading options to replace Christian Parker

While Parker joins the Dallas Cowboys, the Eagles already have a potential replacement on their radar, and it’s their safeties coach, Joe Kasper, who has ten years of coaching experience. Besides the NFL, Kasper honed his coaching experience in college football.

Kasper had two runs with the Philadelphia Eagles—the first from 2021 to 2022 as the defensive quality control coach and the second from 2024 to now as the safeties coach. He spent 2023 with the Miami Dolphins as a safeties coach. Ahead of his initial tenure with the Eagles, he held coaching roles with the Duke Blue Devils and John Carroll Blue Streaks in collegiate football.

While Kasper remains a strong contender to be the Eagles’ next defensive backs coach, their current cornerback coach, Roy Anderson, is emerging as another potential option, who has been tied to the franchise since 2024.

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Anderson has two decades of coaching experience in the league. Aside from the Philadelphia Eagles, his resume includes the Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers, Indianapolis Colts, and Baltimore Ravens. Unlike Kasper, he has defensive backs coaching experience. He previously served as the assistant defensive backs coach for the Vikings and Bears.