The Cowboys' 2027 changes include a reshaped high-performance unit.
Paul Bowman, the club's long-serving head of performance, will become general manager of elite player development. Pat Kenny returns to take over Bowman's former position.
Mitchell Dunn, 29, has been promoted to NRL assistant coach after leading the Cowboys' elite pathways program for the past two seasons.
He played 58 games for North Queensland from 2018 to 2023 before injury problems forced him into early retirement.
Dunn joined the club's staff as a game development coach in 2024 and has also served as an on-field trainer.
He joins Todd Payten's staff alongside Blake Green, Steve Sheppard and Jordan McLean. Brett O'Farrell remains contact coach, while Don Singe continues to lead leadership and culture.
The Cowboys reached the finals after turning around a difficult start, but the mixed campaign was viewed as below expectations. Greater demands will be placed on Payten's side in 2027.