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Aaron Whitecotton will be reunited with Robert Saleh on the Titans after leaving the Cowboys for a new job.
Here’s the thing about relationships in the NFL coaching ranks: they matter more than the job title you currently hold. Aaron Whitecotton just proved that in his abrupt move to the Tennessee Titans.
According to Paul Kuharsky, the Cowboys’ defensive line coach—the guy who rebuilt Dallas’s front four from a 2024 disaster into a functioning unit—is joining the Tennessee Titans as defensive line coach, reuniting with new head coach Robert Saleh.
Just three weeks ago, Whitecotton interviewed for the Cowboys’ DC job. Dallas hired Christian Parker instead—the Eagles‘ secondary coach—essentially telling Whitecotton that one year of fixing their defensive line wasn’t enough to stick around in a bigger role. Now, days later, he’s gone.
Dallas Cowboys Coach Aaron Whitecotton Headed to Tennessee Titans
The Saleh connection made this almost inevitable. Whitecotton and Saleh have worked together at three different stops—Jacksonville (2014-2016), San Francisco (2020), and New York (2021-2024). They know each other’s defensive language, systems, and expectations.
When Saleh took the Titans’ job and made it clear he’d be calling the defense himself, Whitecotton became a strong choice to manage the trenches and work with Jeffrey Simmons.
The Cowboys, meanwhile, just watched their best defensive renovation effort walk out the door. Whitecotton came to Dallas last offseason with a clear mandate: fix the defensive line.
By season’s end, the unit had transformed from the 2024 liability into something workable. He reunited with his longtime mentee Quinnen Williams in November—Dallas gave up a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick, and defensive tackle Mazi Smith pry Williams away from the Jets at the deadline.
That Williams-Whitecotton pairing was starting to click. Williams himself once said that before Whitecotton, he “kind of was set out to be a good DT,” but after this coach came into his life, he “became an All-Pro and a Pro Bowler.” That’s the pedigree Whitecotton carries. He built Williams into a star in New York. He was supposed to do the same in Dallas.
Robert Saleh’s Introductory Press Conference Delayed
Titans fans will have to wait until Thursday (2 p.m. CT) to hear from the new man at the helm of the Titans’ roster. The Nashville area is dealing with the repercussions of the significant winter storm that rolled through, while many locals are dealing with power outages, among other situations.
Justin Carlucci brings 13+ years of journalism experience to Heavy. A veteran of multiple industry-leading companies, he has hosted SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio shows and contributed to the New York Post, combining traditional sports and news reporting with expertise in sports betting and fantasy sports. More about Justin Carlucci
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