The Dallas Cowboys have announced the hiring of Scott Symons, a highly regarded defensive coordinator at Southern Methodist University (SMU), to coach their inside linebackers. This move was confirmed in early reports and marks Symons’ first transition into the NFL after a successful collegiate coaching career.
Symons was preparing to begin his sixth season leading SMU’s defense but has accepted the NFL position with the Cowboys, providing a significant step up from his previous roles. His extensive experience coordinating defenses across college football made him a top target for the team looking to strengthen their linebacker unit.
Symons’ Coaching Background and Career Progression
Scott Symons has been a trusted defensive voice beside Rhett Lashlee since 2022 at SMU. Before joining the Mustangs, he spent three seasons as Liberty University’s defensive coordinator from 2019 to 2021. His resume also includes roles at smaller college programs like Harding University, Arkansas Tech, and West Georgia in Division II, where he gained valuable experience as a defensive coordinator and play caller.
In 2018, Symons coached linebackers at Memphis before Liberty recruited him to lead their defense. Throughout his coaching journey, he has steadily climbed the ranks by demonstrating leadership and defensive acumen across various programs.
Achievements and Impact at SMU
During his tenure at SMU, Symons earned three consecutive nominations for the Broyles Award, which honors the nation’s top assistant coaches. Notably, he was a semifinalist for the award after the 2024 season. Under his guidance, SMU’s defense contributed heavily to the team’s first-ever College Football Playoff appearance and achieved 31 wins over three seasons.
In 2025, the Mustangs’ defense ranked among the nation’s elite in key statistical categories. The team was top 25 in turnovers gained (5th), red zone defense (5th), interceptions (8th), defensive touchdowns (10th), fumbles recovered (11th), turnover margin (14th), fourth down stops (18th), rushing defense (19th), and sacks (23rd).
Seniors Ahmaad Moses and Isaiah Smith were pivotal defensive leaders, earning All-America honors, with Moses named to Phil Steele’s fourth team and Smith receiving honorable mention. Moses also recorded career highs, including 104 tackles, five interceptions, and two fumble recoveries, which led to his semifinalist nomination for the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award.
Defensive Strengths and Team Success Under Symons
Symons’ defense remained aggressive and effective, producing 34 sacks in 2025, marking the third consecutive season with over 30 sacks. The defense was disciplined in scoring defense, ranking third in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), holding opponents under 20 points in eight games, and earning six All-ACC defensive honors. Along with Moses and Smith, Jeffrey M’ba, Terry Webb, Isaiah Nwokobia, and Deuce Harmon also received accolades.
The 2024 season was particularly historic, with SMU completing an undefeated 8-0 conference record in their first year competing in a Power Five conference. They were the first team to accomplish an unbeaten record in conference play after transitioning from a Group of Five league. Symons’ defensive unit excelled in all areas, ranking top five nationally in defensive touchdowns and securing the second-best rushing defense in program history, yielding just 100.2 yards per game on the ground.
The team accumulated 43 sacks, the third highest single-season total in SMU history, and ranked within the top 25 nationally in multiple defensive metrics, including tackles for loss, third down conversion percentage allowed, and red zone defense.
What This Move Means for Scott Symons and the Cowboys
Taking on a coaching role with the Dallas Cowboys represents a significant milestone for Scott Symons, providing his first opportunity in the NFL after an impressive collegiate career marked by innovation and strong defensive results. The Cowboys are expected to benefit from Symons’ passion, determination, and experience in developing aggressive, opportunistic defenses.
This hiring could influence the Cowboys’ defensive strategies, especially inside linebacker play, as he brings a proven ability to foster playmakers and cultivate a relentless defensive mindset. His work at SMU underlines his capacity to boost team performance and compete at the highest levels.
The addition of Symons signals the Cowboys’ intent to renew and enhance their defense by incorporating fresh insights from successful college systems. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how effectively Symons translates his defensive expertise to the NFL environment and contributes to Dallas’s pursuit of sustained success.
