The subject of joining the staff was first broached in the winter, but Pettine had recently announced his retirement. Pettine visited the Cowboys in the spring and was with the coaches for a few days.
Pettine will be in the coaches booth during games while Parker will remain on the sideline.
“I’m just obviously trying to hit the ground running here,” Pettine said. “I feel like I’m trying to sip water from a firehose but trying to get caught up on all the film and make observations here and there. But I’m just here to support him, and both him and [head coach Brian Schottenheimer] and the rest of the defensive staff, in any way I can.”