Tag: Frank Ross

Texans special teams coach Frank Ross says Tank Dell has a certain quickness

Houston Texans special teams coordinator Frank Ross says that rookie wideout Tank Dell brings a type of quickness to the return game.

Special teams has surprisingly been one of the Houston Texans’ better units over the past two seasons.

Special teams coordinator Frank Ross has had the Texans finish ninth in yards per kickoff return and 13th in yards per punt return last season. In 2021, the Texans dipped to fifth-worst in yards per kickoff return, but were tied for 10th-best in yards per punt return.

The Texans’ return units may have a new weapon on their hands in third-round receiver Tank Dell. As a punt returner last season for the Houston Cougars, Dell fielded nine punts for 153 yards and a touchdown.

No doubt the Texans are hoping to cultivate Dell’s receiving abilities, but having the 5-8, 165-pound wideout provide playmaking ability in the return game would give Houston a needed edge.

Ross told reporters May 31 during organized team activities that Dell has a natural instinct to be an effective returner.

“There’s a God-given athleticism element, of course, where guys know how to just not spend too much time decelerating or it’s just easier for guys to run as a smaller guy,” said Ross. “He’s got that quickness, that suddenness that hopefully he can translate to when he’s out there live with the ball in his hands.”

The most important aspect Dell, and the other Texans returners, will need to nail down is ball security.

Said Ross: “The ball can’t be on the ground, so whoever is back there handling it, security is number one. Get the ball back for our offense, start a drive. And then anything past the first down is bonus. When we get a chance to take it, we’ll try and do that as many times as possible.”

The Texans have had two lost fumbles on punt returns since 2021.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=1365]

Texans special teams coach Frank Ross says DeMeco Ryans’ playing days bring gravitas

Houston Texans special teams coordinator Frank Ross says that new coach DeMeco Ryans being a former player carries a certain gravitas.

Far be it for Frank Ross to speak for the Houston Texans’ players, but the special teams coordinator hopes that every man on the roster can appreciate DeMeco Ryans.

The Texans hired their former linebacker from 2006-11 to lead from the sidelines as the sixth full-time coach in team history.

“A guy that has walked in our shoes and climbed ourselves to the top: that should be internal motivation for those guys,” Ross said. “I don’t want to speak for them, but I hope that’s the case.”

Ross managed to stay on as special teams coordinator for the 2023 season. Despite the three coaching hires that have occurred since Ross joined the Texans in 2021, he has maintained his role coordinating Houston’s transition phase of the game.

Although the 38-year-old has only been on the job for a little over a month, the discussions that Ross has had with Ryans have been encouraging and energizing.

Said Ross: “Definitely have had some good conversations, and people seem to be pretty excited to say the least from our players perspective. I just think somebody who’s walked in their shoes can come up and say that to them, specifically a former Texan, it’s going to carry a lot of weight and go a long way.”

The Texans’ offseason workouts begin April 3, and part of the coaching staff’s job will be establishing cohesion and chemistry throughout the roster and staff.

Coach will tell you, he just needs to make sure that the guys are all on the same page, learning together,” said Ross. “That’s what it’s going to take and push us forward.”

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=601916344]

Frank Ross reveals strategy on how he has stayed with the Texans through three coaching hires

Special teams coordinator Frank Ross talked about what he tells a new coach that is hired by the Houston Texans.

Much like how stakeholders and global leaders need to be conscious of what world they are leaving behind for Keith Richards, the McNair family needs to think about what coaching staff they are assembling around Frank Ross.

The special teams coordinator is now on his third different coaching staff since the Houston Texans hired him in 2021 to be part of the David Culley era. When the club transitioned to Lovie Smith in 2022, Ross stayed, and he managed to catch on with rookie coach DeMeco Ryans’ regime.

The former Indianapolis Colts assistant special teams coach revealed how he has managed to be the one constant despite the staff upheaval over the past three years.

“Any time there’s going to be a turnover of staff, turnover of players, the first thing is a little bit of a get to know,” said Ross. “I would imagine a new head football coach is going to come in and say, ‘Hey I want to get to put the best staff together.’ I just try to put my foot forward and say, ‘This is how I see things and how I operate. Hopefully that’s a good fit for you, coach.’”

Ross’ presentation on special teams was good enough to convince Ryans. Naturally the unit’s work in 2022 made good arguments as kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn had the third-highest field goal percentage in the NFL at 93.5%, didn’t miss one of his 24 extra points, and punter Cam Johnston was 12th in the league with a 48.1 yards per punt.

The 37-year-old from John Carroll University and former New England Patriots scout isn’t going to rest on his laurels.

Said Ross: “I think as far as any body that’s going to be retained at any role, doesn’t matter who it is, what boss you’re working for, your job is to prove yourself every day. Try and live that way, try and be that way. As we go and grow together, Coach Ryans, myself, any other new coaches down the list, what can we do to prove ourselves today, every day we walk in the building?”

Although the new league year kicks off March 15 and the team’s offseason workouts begin April 3, the process to build the 2023 Texans has already begun in Ross’ eyes.

“Free agency, draft, starting the new playbook, whatever that might be,” said Ross. “We’re here to work and get ourselves to be the best football team we can be when the season rolls around.”

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=601916344]

Report: Texans retain special teams coach Frank Ross

The Houston Texans will be keeping Frank Ross as their special teams coordinator.

The Houston Texans may be on their third full-time coach in as many seasons, but they are managing to retain the same special teams coordinator.

According to Aaron Wilson from KPRC-TV, the Texans are keeping Frank Ross onboard as the team’s special teams coordinator for the 2023 campaign. Ross was initially hired as part of David Culley’s staff, held the same job for Lovie Smith’s staff in 2022, and will be in charge of the transition phase of the game for DeMeco Ryans’ first NFL season.

The Texans Wire speculated Ross would make it on Ryans’ staff as special teams coordinator.

The Texans’ 3-13-1 record overshadowed how well the special teams played in 2022. Kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn went 29-31 on field goals, including 6-6 on field goals of 50-plus yards. Fairbairn also connected 24-24 on extra points.

Punter Cam Johnston averaged 48.1 yards per punt, the 12th-best in the NFL. Johnston also had 37 punts downed inside the 20-yard line, tied with Washington’s Tress Way for the second-most in the league.

The return game was also strong for Houston as cornerback Tremon Smith had a 13.3 yards per punt and a 21.9 yards per kick return. Cornerback Desmond King had 9.4 yards per punt.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=1362]

Texans special teams coach Frank Ross relishes in teamers having success on offense, defense

Houston Texans special teams coach Frank Ross says he enjoys it when one of his players is having success on offense or defense.

Frank Ross has a limited amount of players on the 53-man roster he can work with to form his special teams units which cover kickoffs, punts, returns, and field goal tries and blocks.

Typical Ross is working with reserves on the Houston Texans roster. When injuries hit, those reserves are tapped, as was the case in Week 14 when cornerback Tremon Smith was called upon due to cornerbacks Derek Stingley and Steven Nelson being out. Same went for receiver Chris Moore as Brandin Cooks and Nico Collins missed the game.

When the reserves start to have big games on offense and defense, as Moore and Smith did, it should worry Ross about losing two of his best special teamers. However, the Texans’ special teams coach is simply thrilled “his guys” are starting to make an impact in other phases of the game.

“We’re excited for any Texans making big plays, of course,” Ross told reporters Dec. 15. “It definitely has a special place for you, especially as a special teams coach when those guys are getting their chances and making the most of their opportunities. You know, I try to stay level-headed and just give them a high five or a pat on the helmet because I want him to go out there and keep playing ball. But man, I was raving.”

Smith had a big game in the 27-23 loss to the Dallas Cowboys as he picked off quarterback Dak Prescott twice.

“I would say the only thing is my dry sense of humor, I walked up to him and said, ‘Don’t forget about us now. Please come back and play on special teams and stay hungry with that Texans special teams attitude,'” Ross said.

Ross was also impressed with Moore’s game. The 6-1, 200-pound wideout caught 10 passes for 124 yards on offense, but was pivotal in downing punter Cam Johnston’s punt inside the 1-yard line with 8:01 to go and Houston leading 23-20. The poor field position for Dallas led to Prescott throwing his second interception to Smith, and giving the Texans first-and-goal at the Dallas 4-yard line.

Said Ross: “Anytime guys like that go make plays, great, they are coming back. Like Chris Moore. How about that game on offense? Coming back, gloves off, put him right in the mud going running down on what ended up being a critical downing of a punt. Need to continue to have that throughout the entire core unit.”

The Texans will need to rely on Smith and Moore to have big games in special teams and the other phases again as the injury situation remains the same for Houston heading into Week 15 against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Special teams coordinator Frank Ross wary of Cowboys receiver KaVontae Turpin in return game

To hear Ross tell it, Turpin could break Sunday’s matchup between the #Texans and #Cowboys wide-open with his skills in the return game

Among the threats posed to the Houston Texans in their Week 14 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys will be the special teams unit hosted by their intrastate rivals. With a solid roster all around, the Cowboys host a plethora of talent on special teams, including their returner KaVontae Turpin, who is able to bust plays for huge gains if given any opportunity.

Frank Ross, Houston’s special teams coordinator, addressed the challenge of containing Turpin at the team’s Thursday press conference and pointed out all of the qualities that make him a dangerous return man. To hear Ross tell it, Turpin might be the biggest threat faced by Houston this week.

“Returners that you see that are most successful for return after return after return, you see the dynamic speed,” Ross said. “That is always there with him. You’re right. He does have an aggressive mentality, doesn’t want to fair catch. He wants to return the ball when given any chance, and then his ability to stretch and cut. When you’re in space, he’s not a big guy, so those jittery guys that can move and cut at full speed, that makes it difficult for singular tacklers in space. You have to make him slow and stop feet, that way the rest of coverage can rally and really shut down that space and close lanes.”

The Texans won’t be able to concede too many points in any phase of the game against Dallas, as they will be completely outmatched on paper on both sides of the ball. Their defense has proven that they can hold up their end of the bargain against talented opponents, but any scores that the special teams unit might concede could doom Houston’s efforts to secure their second win of the 2022 season with just five games remaining on their schedule.

Frank Ross gives update on Amari Rodgers

Frank Ross seems to like what he has seen from the #Texans’ newly acquired receiver

The Houston Texans haven’t used the highly anticipated prospects that they claimed off waivers a few weeks ago, but that doesn’t mean that their chance to prove what they can do for the team has passed. Eno Benjamin and Amari Rodgers have been waiting in the wings for an opportunity to shine, and as the season winds to a close, one would think that they’d see their first action in the coming weeks.

Special teams coordinator Frank Ross updated the media on Rodgers’ status ahead of the Texans’ matchup against the Browns on Sunday. Though he didn’t commit to using Rodgers in the game, Ross seemed optimistic about his development under his tutelage.

“[He is] good, continuing to work every single day working under our techniques,” Ross told reporters When you have a new player, you’re anxious to hear what he’s been coached beforehand, what his habits are and what we can do whether it’s to improve or to emphasize something he’s been doing in the past. He’ll be ready when he gets his chance.”

Houston needs all the help they can get to secure their second win of the season in this week’s tilt, and if Rodgers ends up seeing his first snaps in a Texans’ uniform, it will be because the coaching staff sees his abilities as an edge against their more established opponent.

Rodgers was a big-time prospect when he came out of college last season, and has shown flashes of his potential in the limited action he has seen at the pro level. Without a chance to show what kind of skillset he will bring to the Texans’ offense and special teams units, the team won’t be able to fully evaluate his fit in their system ahead of the rebuild they will undertake in the coming offseason.

Special teams coordinator Frank Ross praises Tremon Smith’s return abilities

Ross has been familiar with Smith’s game for years and thinks he may have found the cornerback a niche on the #Texans’ special teams unit

The Houston Texans need all the help they can get to secure their second win of the season, and given the turmoil on their offense, it could come down to their special teams unit to put up points against the Cleveland Browns in Week 13. Special teams coordinator Frank Ross spoke to reporters on Thursday about punt returner Tremon Smith, and the role his speed could play in the Texans’ pursuit of success.

“I’ve been with Tremon [Smith] for multiple years,” Ross said. “The guy can run. The most impressive thing, specifically to the Miami game, he had a nice little return there, even when we were getting into a little bit of traffic, the ball was tight and [he] showed good ball security. If you do that, that’s goal number one, that’s rule number one. Impressed with that because sometimes in traffic there’s a tendency to let that thing flair away from your body. We’re always coaching that. Been good, has good speed, so hopefully we’ll get another chance with him this weekend.”

No team wants to rely on punt or kickoff returns for touchdowns to win games, but for Houston, the abilities of their talented returner could be a deciding factor that inches them closer to respectability before the season concludes. Smith showed blazing speed in college at the University of Central Arkansas and could put it to use against Cleveland if given the opportunity.

He will continue to compete against fellow defensive back Desmond King for reps in the return game and has a chance to cement himself in the role if he can prove that he is the better option on a week-to-week basis. In a year where the Texans will take any positive momentum they can find, Smith’s contributions may end up being one of the more pivotal developments in the franchise’s failed 2022 campaign.

Texans special teams coordinator Frank Ross in awe of Amari Rodgers’ athleticism

Ross told reporters on Wednesday that Rodgers’ athleticism could push him onto the field for the #Texans’ Week 12 matchup

The Houston Texans may have found a gem in second-year wide receiver Amari Rodgers, who was acquired by the team via the waiver system last week. After finding himself on the outs with the Green Bay Packers the former third-round pick was in need of a fresh start, and Houston was more than happy to take a literal waiver on his services.

An interesting development has been the speculation around Rodgers’ use in the Texans’ system. Instead of relying on him to catch passes, it seems the team is more inclined to start him as a returner on special teams. The unit’s coordinator, Frank Ross, spoke to reporters on Wednesday about how thrilled he is to have Rodgers in the mix and was clearly excited about the new weapon he has at his disposal.

“Kind of what we said before. You have a new body added to the roster, good athletic skill set,” Ross said of Rodgers. “We’ll integrate everybody into the scheme and our roles that we see them fitting in. Relative to whoever is available at the game, we’re going to use that player to our advantage.”

While Rodgers may take some time to actually see the field for Houston, it isn’t out of the question that he could carve himself a niche on the special teams unit with solid production through the end of the season. Given the Texans’ 1-8-1 record, anything is on the table for the team in terms of personnel changes, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if he starts getting repetitions as soon as he and the coaching staff feel he is ready to make an impact.

Rodgers has the potential to be one of the more significant mid-season additions to Houston’s roster, and at this point, all he needs is a chance to show what he can do for their minimal investment to start paying major dividends.

Frank Ross says these five players could return punts for the Texans against Miami

These five players were pointed to as viable options as punt returners for the Texans by special teams coordinator Frank Ross

The Houston Texans’ special teams unit has been one of the team’s strengths this season, even if only because the offense and defense have been wildly inconsistent. Coordinator Frank Ross has a lot to do with that, and he spoke to reporters about a key decision he has to make ahead of the Texans’ matchup against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday; who he will send out to return punts.

Asked about who he sees as a viable option for the role in the Texans’ Wednesday press conference, Ross pointed out no less than five players who might see snaps as a returner in the near future, including one of the team’s most recent additions.

“We’ve already rolled a couple out throughout the game and as our depth changed not only last week with a DB being inactive,” Ross explained. “On who could play at the returner role and now add in whoever it may be, whether it’s Amari [Rodgers], Tremon [Smith], whether it’s Phillip [Dorsett], Grayland [Arnold] when he was healthy. All those guys are available to use, we’ve just been using Desmond [King II] at this point at a more consistent basis. We’re going to try and continue [to play] whoever gives us the best chance to make plays.”

Any points that Houston might be able to pick up on special teams would go a long way toward helping the team secure its second win of the 2022 season, especially from scores in the return game. Though they only happen once in a blue moon, the kickoff return for a touchdown is widely considered one of the most exciting plays in football, and Texans fans would certainly be ecstatic if their team could manage to pull one off against the AFC frontrunning Dolphins.

Any of the players Ross listed could be the difference between a win or loss for Houston on Sunday.