Texans Add Five New Coaches to Staff After DeMeco Ryans’ Demise
After his first season as the head coach of the Houston Texans, DeMeco Ryans stated that the 2024 roster would have both new and familiar names. The same is true for the reorganized coaching staff that is set to enter free agency. The Texans formally unveiled their coaching staff for the 2017 year, and most of the names are carried over from the previous campaign.
Nonetheless, a number of offseason maneuvers created opportunities for change, and five coaches will be making their AFC South club debuts. As linebacker coach, Bill Davis, a longtime defensive coach, will take over for Chris Kiffin. Kiffin, who is the younger brother of Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin, was reportedly interviewed for a position as a defensive coordinator with the Miami Dolphins this summer. Rod Wright, an assistant defensive line coach, was elevated to the position of Jacques Ceasaire’s replacement after the latter’s contract year ended amicably. Houston appointed Nate Ollie, a former defensive line coach with the Colts, as an assistant defensive line coach in Wright’s place.
Zach Yenser, a former offensive line coach at the University of Kentucky, was mentioned as a recent hire for the position of assistant offensive line coach. Upon Yenser’s departure from Lexington in the offseason, no media outlet announced his hire. Multiple reports state that Yenser was fired from his role with the Wildcats during the offseason. Yenser worked with Ryans and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik for three seasons as the 49ers’ assistant offensive line coach before going on to coach in college.
To complete the staff, the Texans also brought on Mike Snyder, Sean Baker, and assistants on the offensive and defensive lines. After Houston finished 11-8 in the AFC South Division title game in 2023, consistency will be crucial. In order to join the AFC elite, C.J. Stroud needs weapons and consistency in the run game to improve on his Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign. With the recent signing of tight end Dalton Schultz to a three-year, $36 million contract, Houston made sure to comply. The 27-year-old Schultz placed third in receiving yards (635), fifth in touchdowns (five), and second in receptions (59).
Devin Singletary, a running back who turned into the pillar of the ground game toward the end of the season, is also under negotiation with the Texans. TexansDaily.com has received information from various sources indicating that Houston intends to sign at least two prospects and will target multiple running backs in free agency this summer. Slowik also makes a return visit to NRG Stadium after interviewing for other head coaching positions. His work with Stroud produced a top-10 passing performance and a turnaround in the offense.
Houston placed 25th in passing and 31st in scoring in 2022. For Year 2, defensive coordinator Matt Burke is returning. Burke’s insight and limited details on the defensive line, despite his role, helped him have a career season in terms of pass rush production. In 2024, Houston recorded a franchise-high 46 sacks, with Jonathan Greenard accounting for 12.5 of those totals.
Defensive Rookie of the Year was awarded to Houston’s second-round selection, Will Anderson Jr., for his record-breaking seven sacks in a single season. He also had the most pressures (67) of any rookie.
On March 13, the Texans’ salary cap space will be approximately $70.1 million when they hit free agency. In addition, Houston holds the No. 23 pick in the NFL Draft’s first round on April 25.
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