Texans Hire Five New Coaches to DeMeco Ryans' Staff
DeMeco Ryans mentioned they would be a blend of new and old faces on the 2024 roster following his first season as the Houston Texans head coach.
The same goes for revamped coaching staff entering free agency.
The Texans officially announced their coaching staff for the upcoming season, and it largely features the same names as last season. Five coaches, however, will be making their debuts with the AFC South franchise after several offseason moves opened avenues for change.
Longtime defensive coach Bill Davis will replace Chris Kiffin as linebacker coach. Kiffin, the younger brother of Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin, was rumored to be a candidate for multiple defensive coordinator openings this offseason, going so far as interviewing for the Miami Dolphins vacancy.
Assistant defensive line coach Rod Wright was promoted to replace Jacques Ceasaire, who mutually parted ways with the franchise following the final year of the contract. In Wright's place, Houston hired former Colts defensive line coach Nate Ollie to serve as assistant defensive line coach.
Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans on the field before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at NRG Stadium.
Mandatory Credit Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Former University of Kentucky offensive line coach Zach Yenser was listed as a newcomer to the coaching staff as the next assistant offensive line coach. Yenser's hiring was not reported by any media outlet entering the offseason following his departure from Lexington.
According to multiple reports, Yenser was let go from his position with the Wildcats this offseason. Prior to coaching in college, Yenser spent three seasons as the assistant offensive line coach with the 49ers alongside Ryans and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik.
The Texans also added Sean Baker and Mike Snyder and defensive and offensive assistants to round out the staff.
Continuity will be key for Houston following an 11-8 AFC South Division title finish in 2023. C.J. Stroud is looking to build off an Offensive Rookie of the Year season, but he'll need weapons and stability in the run game to join the elites in the AFC.
Houston made sure to oblige with the recent signing of tight end Dalton Schultz to a three-year, $36 million contract. Schultz, 27, finished second in receptions (59), third in receiving yards (635), and third in touchdowns (five).
The Texans are also in talks with running back Devin Singletary, who became the backbone of the ground game late in the season. Multiple sources have told TexansDaily.com that Houston will target multiple running backs this offseason in free agency and plan to sign at least two prospects.
Slowik, who interviewed for several head coaching vacancies, also returns to NRG Stadium. His work with Stroud led to an offense turnaround and a top-10 finish in passing. In 2022, Houston finished 25th in passing and 31st in scoring.
Defensively, coordinator Matt Burke is back for Year 2. Despite his role, Burke's wisdom and finite detailing on the defensive line led to a career season in the pass-rushing department. Houston totaled a franchise-record 46 sacks in 2024, 12.5 of which came from Jonathan Greenard.
Will Anderson Jr., Houston's second first-round pick, secured Defensive Rookie of the Year honors with his franchise-breaking seven-sack season. He also led all rookies with 67 pressures.
The Texans enter free agency on March 13 with roughly $70.1 million in salary cap space. Houston also owns the No. 23 pick in the first round of the NFL Draft on April 25.
