Tag: Texans 2025 season

Texans expected to interview Green Bay Packers’ Adam Stenavich for OC opening

The Houston Texans can add another name to the group in their offensive coordinator search with Adam Stenavich.

Another day, another interview.

According to KPRC2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, the Houston Texans plan to interview Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich on Saturday afternoon to replace Bobby Slowik as offensive coordinator.

Stenavich, 41, also interviewed earlier this week for Seattle’s offensive coordinator opening, which went to Klint Kubiak.

Green Bay is willing to let Stenavich interview for the position because of his role in the NFC North offense. The third-year OC doesn’t call the plays for the Packers but works closely with coach Matt LaFleur in building out game plans.

He also has a strong rapport with key offensive players like quarterback Jordan Love and Pro Bowl running back Josh Jacobs.

Last season, Green Bay finished eighth in scoring, averaging 27.1 points per game. It ranked fifth in total offense, fifth in rushing and 12th in passing. Jacobs, who inked a four-year deal in the offseason, rushed for 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns, averaging 4.4 yards per attempt and 78.2 yards per game.

Before taking over as the offensive coordinator Stenavich worked on staff as the offensive line coach and run game coordinator.

Stenavich becomes the eighth candidate on an interview list that includes internal candidates Jerrod Johnson, Texans and senior offensive assistant Bill Lazor.

External candidates include Syracuse offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterbacks coach Thad Lewis, and Los Angeles Rams tight ends coach and passing game coordinator Nick Caley, Minnesota Vikings assistant offensive coordinator Grant Udinski and Washington Commanders passing-game coordinator Brian Johnson.

The Texans are expected to make a hire sometime next week before the Super Bowl.

PFF names one free agent the Texans can’t afford to lose in 2025

The Houston Texans would be wise to keep defensive end Derek Barnett in the locker room for another season.

The Houston Texans need depth on their defensive line behind Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.

Two seasons into his tenure, defensive end Derek Barnett might be the top No. 3 pass rusher in the league. He once again proved to be a stable fill-in starter behind the dynamic duo off NRG Drive.

After re-signing as a restricted free agent last year, Barnett will become an unrestricted free agent in March. That means he’ll be free to negotiate with any team if the Texans elect to let him walk in favor of re-signing other options like wide receiver Stefon Diggs or defensive back Eric Murray.

Pro Football Focus doesn’t think the Texans should let Barnett reach free agency, calling him the one player they can’t afford to lose this offseason.

“Barnett has been a nice rotational option for the Texans when either Danielle Hunter or Will Anderson Jr. have needed a break,” the publication wrote. “He has earned an excellent 83.9 PFF overall grade since arriving in Houston in Week 13 of the 2023 season. Perhaps Barnett found his ideal role with the Texans, playing a productive 15 to 30 snaps per game instead of trying to carry a starter’s workload.”

Barnett has gone from being a name picked up off waivers to perhaps the best No. 3 defensive end entering 2025. Even in a rotational role, his five sacks were more than a dozen starters on different teams. Add in his run-blocking potential and it’s hard to envision a world where Barnett isn’t considered one of the more well-versed options in the market.

The Texans would be wise to reward him with at least a multi-year extension, keeping him in Houston through at least 2025. Should he walk, defensive end moves up the pecking order of needs since Dylan Horton would be the only remaining option under contract with significant reps.

Senior Bowl Q&A: Toledo defensive tackle Darius Alexander

Texans Wire spoke with Toldeo defensive lineman Darius Alexander at the Senior Bowl, who met with the Texans during his time in Mobile, Ala.

It’s no secret that the Houston Texans need reinforcements along the interior of their defensive line in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.

Fortunately, this group offers a wealth of talent and a good portion is on display in front of Texans evaluators at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala.

Darius Alexander played for five years at Toledo and plans to follow in the footsteps of former teammate Quinyon Mitchell as the next rising Rocket to make an instant impact at the NFL level.

The senior defensive tackle finished his 2024 campaign with 40 total tackles, eight tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks while making a difference as an interior pass-rusher.

Texans Wire was able to speak with Alexander and he confirmed that he met with the Texans, plus his college journey and expectations for the pro level.

Texans Wire: What brought you to the Senior Bowl?

Darius Alexander: “Really, Jim Nagy brought us to the Senior Bowl, but more than that, my game. My game, to show that I can play at the top level and that I can compete with these guys here. That’s why I’m here.

Everyone’s having a great time, everyone’s bonding, just getting to know each other, getting to feel for each other’s game. We just respect each other and are having fun. That’s what we’re doing right now.”

TW: How have you felt about your experience here so far?

Alexander: “I feel like it’s been going wonderfully, you know, just getting out there with new guys that you’ve never played with before. Understanding how they play and then they understand how you play and also the O-Line, new guys playing with each other. So just going out there to watch them guys compete against us and watch how they try and work together. It’s been great. As far as being here the first day as a proud it’s been wonderful. I got family that’s from here in Alabama, so just to come down here and to put on and just have fun and just walk around and be here. I’m loving it, so enjoying it.”

TW: What kind of player and person is your future NFL team getting?

Alexander: “I mean, for one, they’re going to have a quiet guy for sure. I talk once I get familiar with guys, things like that. For the most part, I keep things to myself, but they’re going to get a hard worker who keeps his head down. I motivate myself to work hard and I think that’s what my teammates would be getting.”

TW: What kind of role do you see yourself playing on an NFL defense?

Alexander: “I like to play everywhere on the defensive line, but for me, I like to be a three-technique defensive tackle. I just want to be a penetrator and make the defensive coach happy.”

TW: What was your favorite play from this past season?

Alexander: “I’ll probably say the pick versus Pittsburgh. I’ll say that for. That was a fun interception for me, just to catch that and score. My defensive coordinator believed in me to drop me coverage and make a play. So I think that’s one of the plays for sure.”

TW: Did you talk to Texans and how would it be to play for them?

Alexander: “If I’m not mistaken, I have, I think I have for sure. That went good. That’s a great defense. I love the players. You got Danielle Hunter, got Will Anderson on the other side so I think just me coming in to be a good 3-tech for those guys would be fun for sure.”

Texans to interview Commanders pass-game coordinator Brian Johnson for OC job

The Houston Texans are adding another name to their offensive coordinator search entering the weekend.

Add another name to the Houston Texans’ offensive coordinator search.

According to KPRC2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, the Texans plan on interviewing Washington Commanders assistant head coach and pass-game coordinator Brian Johnson for the position on Friday.

Johnson, who previously served as the Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator in 2023, would be the sixth person to interview for the position since the firing of Bobby Slowik.

Johnson helped guide Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels to a record-setting season and a postseason appearance. Along with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, the Heisman Trophy winner collected nearly 4,500 total yards and 31 touchdowns, which surpassed Texans’ C.J. Stroud’s touchdown and yard total set in 2023.

Daniels’ completion percentage of 69 percent ranks second all-time among rookie passers. The former LSU star also set an NFL rookie record with 12 touchdown passes in the fourth quarter or overtime.

A native of Baytown, Johnson worked with Jalen Hurts as Shane Steichen’s replacement in 2023. During his lone year as the Eagles’ play-caller, Philadelphia ranked seventh in points per game (25.5) and eighth in total yards (354.4 yards per game).

The Eagles finished 11-6 and were eliminated in the wild-card round against Tampa Bay. Hurts passed for 3,858 yards, 23 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. He also rushed for 605 yards and 15 touchdowns.

One of the more impressive feats of Johnson’s play designs was the emphasis on the run. Running back D’Andre Swift rushed for 1,049 yards and five scores in his lone season with the NFC East franchise. As a unit, the Eagles ranked eighth in rushing yards per contest (128.8).

A former quarterback at Utah, Johnson was previously the offensive coordinator at the University of Florida under Dan Mullen. He also was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Houston and carried the same title on Kyle Whittingham’s staff with the Utes.

Houston has previously interviewed quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson and senior offensive assistant Bill Lazor as internal candidates following an 11-8 finish.

The external candidates include Syracuse offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterbacks coach Thad Lewis, and Los Angeles Rams tight ends coach and passing game coordinator Nick Caley.

Houston has a young quarterback with a promising future in Stroud and several offensive pieces. The Texans want to pair him with an OC who could elevate his status.

Johnson’s been one of the better options working with signal-callers thrive in recent years, so this might be an ideal match heading into Year 3 of the DeMeco Ryans’ era.

Texans DB Calen Bullock named breakout candidate for 2025 season

Calen Bullock could be in an All-Pro season in 2025 with the Houston Texans.

One season into his career and Houston Texans defensive back Calen Bullock is already meeting expectations.

When drafted out of USC last April, the Texans were banking on the 6-foot-3 defensive back’s coverage skills and ability to create turnovers. By the season’s end, he was tied with All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. with a team-leading five interceptions while posting 11 pass breakups.

Bullock blossomed into a solid run defender and open-field tackler, which was viewed as a weak point in his game coming from Alex Grinch’s system. Surprisingly, his man coverage skills took somewhat of a when asked to cover explosive plays downfield.

Pro Football Focus recently released its breakout player for every team next season. For the Texans’ Bullock’s consistency in coverage earned him the accolade.

“Even as a rookie, Bullock played the second-most snaps on Houston’s defense and stood out as a run defender, with a 75.2 PFF grade during the regular season. While his PFF coverage grade (43.9) is underwhelming, he permitted only 135 yards in coverage while procuring five interceptions and a 45.0 passer rating when targeted — the fourth-lowest mark of any qualified cornerback or safety,” PFF wrote. “Knowing Houston’s defensive prowess, Bullock could easily join Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter as a top-tier defensive back come 2025.

Bullock recorded 54 total tackles,  including two tackles for loss. He also saw the most snaps by a Texans’ rookie defensive back since Daunta Robinson in 2004.

With Eric Murray potentially heading for free agency, Bullock likely pairs with Jimmie Ward as the duo on the backend for 2025. If he can improve in man coverage, perhaps the Texans have found their own Marcus Williams or Kevin Byard at NRG Stadium for the long haul.

Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. earns yet another All-Pro honor

Derek Stingley Jr. has earned another accolade for his efforts in coverage with the Houston Texans in 2024.

All-Pro Sting has been a saying for weeks now.

Consensus All-Pro could be a new title added to Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.’s vocabulary by this time next week.

The third-year defensive back was named a first-team All-Pro by The Sporting News Thursday morning, adding to his accolades from a breakout 2024 season.

After starting a career-high 17 games, the former No.3 overall pick posted career numbers in nearly every category, including total tackles (54), passes defensed (18) and tackles for loss (four). Stingley also posted his second consecutive season with five interceptions.

Stingley’s five interceptions were tied for the team-high with rookie safety Calen Bullock and ranked fourth-most in the NFL this season. His 18 pass breakups ranked second among defenders, trailing only Cleveland’s Denzel Ward.

According to NextGenStats, Stingley allowed the lowest passer rating (56.9) and lowest completion percentage (46.7%) among cornerbacks who played at least 400 coverage snaps this season.

Stingley’s shining moment came in Week 15 while covering All-Pro Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill. In the victory, he recorded five tackles, including two for loss, two interceptions and two passes defensed, becoming the first cornerback in NFL history to record two interceptions and two tackles for loss in a game.

He would go on to be named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week, marking the second of his career.

This marks Stingley’s second All-Pro honor of the year after also being named to the Associated Press All-Pro First Team, making him the first cornerback in franchise history to earn Associated Press and The Sporting News All-Pro First Team honors in the same year.

Stingley was also named to the NFLPA’s All-Pro roster, which is voted on by only active players.

Texans to interview senior offensive assistant Bill Lazor for offensive coordinator job

There’s a new name interviewing for the Houston Texans’ offensive coordinator.

Another name has emerged for the Houston Texans’ offensive coordinator position.

Spoiler alert; it’s not Chip Kelly.

According to KRPC2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, the Texans plan to interview senior offensive assistant Bill Lazor for the opening on Thursday.

Lazor has been on staff for two seasons but hasn’t been a coordinator since 2021.

If play-calling is a requirement for the position, Lazor, 52, might be a front-runner. The Former Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator called plays for three different franchises, helping all reach the playoffs at some point in his tenure.

While not an integral part of the offense’s on-field duties, Lazor was influential throughout the week helping former offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik in building game plans around quarterback C.J. Stroud. As a rookie, Stroud became the fifth first-year passer in league history to throw for over 4,000 yards (4,108) while also leading the leauge in touchdown-to-interception ratio (23:5).

Even with another division title, the Texans’ offense regressed this season. Stroud was sacked 52 times and threw just 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

Slowik, who was fired on Friday, struggled to build a gameplan in Year 2, but he also was a first-time play-caller. Perhaps Houston is looking for experience over potential with its next hire to help Stroud return to his Pro Bowl form.

Lazor is now the fifth coach reportedly expected to interview, joining Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson, Syracuse offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterbacks coach Thad Lewis. Los Angeles Rams tight ends coach and passing game coordinator Nick Caley is expected to interview for the job on Thursday.

Texans interview Tampa Bay’s Thad Lewis for OC opening

Thad Lewis is the newest name to join the crew for the Houston Texans’ offensive coordinator.

Another name has appeared on the Houston Texans’ radar for the offensive coordinator opening entering the midway point of the week.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Texans interviewed Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterbacks coach Thad Lewis for their offensive coordinator job on Tuesday.

Both head coach DeMeco Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio are in Mobile, Ala. for the Senior Bowl, so it’s unclear if the interview happened on Zoom or in person.

Lewis, a former quarterback who actually played for the Texans during his career, is the third person to interview with Houston to replace Bobby Slowik. He joins Syracuse offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon and Texans quarterback coach Jerrod Johnson, who interviewed for the position on Monday.

Slowik was fired on Friday after two seasons. Regression set in with C.J. Stroud despite an 11-8 finish and division title, thus leading to friction behind closed doors.

One key element Houston’s looking for in its next coordinator is a stable relationship with Stroud. Lewis’ background as a quarterback in the league could be beneficial to his growth.

In seven NFL seasons, Lewis, 37, played for the Los Angeles Rams, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Buffalo Bills, Texans, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens before retiring in 2017.

A former quarterback at Duke, Lewis became Tampa Bay’s receivers coach in 2021 and was promoted to quarterbacks coach in 2023.

Lewis also spent two seasons at UCLA (2018-19) as an offensive analyst under Chip Kelly before interning with the Bucs under Bruce Arians in 2020.

Texans find new team president in Mike Tomon

According to multiple reports, the Houston Texans have found their next team president.

The Houston Texans have a new man in command.

According to reports, the Texans plan to hire Mike Tomon as their new team president. Tomon will replace longtime executive and former team president Greg Grissom, who left the franchise last week.

“I’m honored to join the Texans during such a fun and exciting time,” Tomon said in a statement. “I want to thank Janice, Cal, Hannah, and the McNair family for giving me this incredible opportunity to join the NFL. I love working with people who are passionate about their work and love what they do, and it was clear in our conversations that the McNairs love this organization and the city of Houston. Their vision for this team and aspirations to be champions in every way allowed us to connect immediately. I also want to thank my wife, Lauren, and my two children for their support, we’re all thrilled about the opportunity to move to Houston. I know that Texans fans are among the most passionate in the NFL, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Tomon will oversee the direction and management of all Texans’ business operations including marketing, communications, broadcasting, ticket sales and services, event services, corporate sponsorship, community relations, accounting, legal, human resources and general administration, as well as overseeing all aspects of Lone Star Sports & Entertainment.

Tomon was previously the co-president and chief operating officer for Legends Global Attractions, which provides services in business planning, project management, sponsorships, premium ticket sales, merchandise, marketing, food and beverages.

Working in sports will not be new for Tomon. Legends has previously worked with AT&T Stadium, Real Madrid, SoFi Stadium, the Las Vegas Raiders, and Notre Dame athletics.

Before joining Legends, Tomon served as Senior Vice President of Global Partnerships at AEG. In that role, he was responsible for new business development for AEG Global Partnerships, where he created and oversaw the global premium sales strategy for all of AEG’s assets worldwide. Tomon has also held senior roles with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Charlotte Bobcats and Phoenix Suns, focusing on premium ticketing, partnerships and sales strategy.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Mike Tomon to our Texans family,” said Chair and CEO Cal McNair. “Mike is a proven leader who brings more than 20 years of experience in sports and entertainment to our team. His extensive background in stadium development and passion for inspiring those around him shined during our conversations. As we enter this next chapter as an organization, I’m looking forward to the future of our business operations under his leadership.”

Texans target long-term OT, DB in Draft Wire’s latest mock

In Draft Wire’s latest mock, the Houston Texans land two safe prospects with immense upside for the 2025 season.

Where do the Houston Texans look with their first two picks in the NFL Draft?

According to Draft Wire, the usual suspect takes control in Round 1 while a surprise becomes the focal point in Round 2.

In the latest mock from the all-draft website, Houston shores up the offensive line with the selection of West Virginia offensive tackle Wyatt Milum at pick No. 25. A nimble left tackle prospect, the three-year Mountaineer is an experienced, skilled run blocker with good play strength and powerful hands to displace in pass protection.

Milum also could shift inside at eight guard position, thus shoring up a major weakness on the offensive line for the long haul.

Draft Wire wasn’t done. In the second round, Houston secures a running mate for free safety Calen Bullock with the addition of Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts.

A two-time All-American and the 2023 recipient of the Bronko Nagurski award, Watts is a hard-hitting defender who plays fast as a result of his high football IQ. He’s a larger-framed Jimmie Ward with position flexibility to play in a two-high safety set or a rover-type role when asked to defend the run.

The Texans own six picks in the upcoming NFL Draft on April 26.