The Houston Texans continue to shake up their coaching staff. Mere days after the team parted ways with offensive coordinator George Godsey, Houston is shaking up its defensive coaching staff.
According to MMQB’s Albert Breer, Houston is promoting linebackers coach Mike Vrabel to defensive coordinator, replacing long-time assistant Romeo Crennel in the process. Crennel is expected to stay on as assistant head coach.
Per sources, the Texans are promoting LBs coach Mike Vrabel to defensive coordinator. Romeo Crennel expected to stay, likely as ass't HC.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 18, 2017
The move itself is surprising considering Crennel oversaw the league’s No. 1 overall defense in 2016 and has helped the unit finish in the top three over the past two seasons.
Though, it was likely Houston acting before Kyle Shanahan officially becomes the San Francisco 49ers’ head coach. Vrabel, who drew some interest as a potential head coach around the NFL this month, was likely a candidate to join Shanahan in San Francisco as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator.
Vrabel, a 14-year NFL veteran, is seen as one of the best young coaches in the NFL. Acting to retain him was likely one of the Houston’s biggest off-season goals. They apparently accomplished that feat on Wednesday.