J.J. Watt knows what the Houston Texans will be getting in new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver.
After all, the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year has had Weaver as his defensive line coach since 2016. If there is anyone who is qualified to know what Weaver will bring, it is Watt.
“I love Weav,” Watt said Wednesday on a video conference with Houston reporters via the Houston Chronicle’s Aaron Wilson. “I think he’s going to inject some fun and excitement into our meetings. I think he’s done an incredible job with the D-Line and will do an outstanding job as defensive coordinator.”
J.J. Watt on Anthony Weaver: 'I love Weav. I think he's going to inject some fun and excitement into our meetings. I think he's done an incredible job with the dline and will do an outstanding job as defensive coordinator.'
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) May 27, 2020
The Texans decided to go in a younger direction by promoting Weaver, 39, to defensive coordinator. Romeo Crennel, who had the reins from 2014-16 and also for the past two seasons, will stay on coach Bill O’Brien’s staff as assistant head coach.
Having played in the NFL from 2002-08 for the Baltimore Ravens and also the Texans, Weaver believes he has “another level of credibility” with the players, which may help him to make meetings more fun and exciting.
“The other thing I think I can relate to is I’ve been in those seats, so I know those days when they’re beat up and they’re stressed out,” Weaver told reporters on May 13. “I feel like I know when to push and I know when pull and I think that gives me an advantage over some coaches that probably haven’t played.”
The Texans defense could take the field in 2020 with a renewed approach after leaving in the divisional round of the playoffs in a 51-31 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.