Tag: Texans Football 2024

Grade the move: Texans hire Rams assistant Nick Caley as new offensive coordinator

What do you think of the hiring of Texans new offensive coordinator Nick Caley down in H-Town?

The Houston Texans have their new play-caller.

According to multiple reports, the Texans plan to hire Los Angeles Rams passing game coordinator and tight ends coach Nick Caley as their new offensive coordinator.

He’ll replace Bobby Slowik, who was fired after two seasons with the AFC South franchise.

Caley, 42, previously interviewed for the offensive coordinator position in 2023 before Texans coach DeMeco Ryans ultimately decided to hire Slowik, according to multiple reports. He previously interviewed for both the New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers open positions as well.

Before joining forces with Sean McVay and Matt Stafford, Caley spent time working closely with Texans general manager Nick Caserio in New England. He previously served as the tight ends coach and fullbacks coach under Bill Belichick from 2015 until the 2022 season.

Caley and Caserio both went to John Carroll University.

The top task for the new play-caller will be to build a relationship with third-year quarterback C.J. Stroud, who suffered a sophomore slump in 2024 after guiding the Texans to a second AFC South division title.

He’ll also be tasked with fixing an offensive line that allowed 54 sacks last season, which was third-most in the league last year.

His rapport with the tight end position should lead to better results from Dalton Schultz and Cade Stover after an underwhelming campaign last fall.

Overall, what do you think of the move, Texans fans? Vote down below!

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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.

NFL analyst names Kamari Lassiter Texans’ unsung hero for 2024 season

Kamari Lassiter’s breakout season with the Houston Texans shouldn’t go unnoticed.

While the Houston Texans didn’t surpass their goal of playing for a conference title, there’s ample to be pleased with heading into Year 3 of the DeMeco Ryans era.

One key element is the growth of second-round pick Kamari Lassiter, who continued his promising offseason into live reps as the No. 2 corner behind All-Pro Derek Stingley Jr.

Houston’s top 10 pass defense wouldn’t have reached new peaks without Lassiter locking down a team’s No. 2 target, though most accolades went to Stingley during his All-Pro season.

Recently, NFL.com’s Kevin Patra broke down the unsung heroes for every AFC team for 2024. Lassiter, who allowed the lowest coverage grade among all rookie cornerbacks per Pro Football Focus, was the clear option.

“Playing across from Derek Stingley Jr., Lassiter entered the season knowing he’d see the bulk of targets thrown his way,” Prata wrote. “The rookie stepped into that spotlight and delivered time and time again. Lassiter generated a 58.6 passer rating against as the nearest defender, including playoffs — second among all CBs with at least 300 coverage snaps, per NGS. The only player better: Stingley.”

Drafted No. 42 overall last April., Lassiter was flagged for having a slow 40-time, thus knocking him out of the first-round conversations. When Houston drafted him, it intended to have him start in the nickel before shifting him outside.

That lasted three practices before Lassiter started covering Nico Collins and Tank Dell in practice. The rest was history en route to record-setting numbers this fall.

“The rookie was tops in the league under those parameters with a 43.7 completion percent allowed and a -12.8 completion percentage over expected,” Prata wrote. “If advanced metrics aren’t your thing, the rookie also had four INTs and 12 passes defended in 16 games. With Lassiter and Stingley, DeMeco Ryans has a lockdown duo at his disposal.”

In 16 games —including playoffs — Lassiter totaled 64 tackles, four interceptions and 12 pass breakups.

Texans WR Stefon Diggs could be top target for AFC contender

The Houston Texans could see Stefon Diggs stick around the AFC next season with a new team.

As the Houston Texans try to keep wide receiver Stefon Diggs around the program for another season, 31 other teams could try to pry him away.

Despite a strong first season working with C.J. Stroud, Diggs has a market. He’s a reliable No. 2 threat in the passing game and could provide upside for a young receiver room looking for a long-term top weapon.

Pro Football Focus recently listed the top potential destinations for some of the best receivers on the market. For Diggs, PFF has the four-time Pro Bowler leaving NRGB Stadium and heading north to the New England Patriots with first-year coach Mike Vrabel.

“New England announced Josh McDaniels will lead Mike Vrabel’s offense, returning to the team with which he authored one of the most productive offenses in the NFL,” PFF’s Mason Cameron wrote. “McDaniels’ system requires savvy and polished route runners who are comfortable in a variety of route concepts and alignments, something Diggs embodies.”

New England has several young options for former No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye entering 2025, but none have the experience Diggs provides. Before suffering a torn ACL in Week 8, the 31-year-old was well on his way to securing a seventh-straight 1,000-yard campaign while totaling over 100 catches.

The Patriots need a legitimate No. 1 threat to double this win total. Diggs would fit the bill on paper, but at this stage in his career, chasing a title seems more fitting than inking a long-term lucrative contract.

Houston, which is coming off an 11-8 finish with an AFC South division title, is closing to winning a Super Bowl than New England. Players inside the locker room also hope Diggs returns to the huddle next season to pick up where he left off.

“I hope that he’s back and my locker mate again,” Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon said. “When it comes down to it, I’m sure he’s gonna do what’s best for him and same with the team. But selfishly, I think that all of us are gonna welcome Stef back with open arms.”

In eight games, Diggs caught 47 passes for 496 yards and scored four total touchdowns.

Texans to interview potential top candidate for offensive coordinator opening

Los Angeles Rams star Nick Caley could be coming to Houston as the next offensive coordinator.

The Houston Texans might have a lead on who should take over the offensive playbook.

According to MMQB’s Albert Breer, Rams tight ends coach and pass-game coordinator Nick Caley will interview for the Texans’ offensive coordinator job on Thursday.

Caley has been a fan-favorite among Texans fans and could be the top option on the market among rising offensive minds.

He recently interviewed for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator opening on Monday following the departure of Liam Coen to Jacksonville.

Caley joined the Rams ahead of the 2023 season after spending six seasons as the tight ends/fullbacks coach for the New England Patriots. He’s considered one of the top influences in developing All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski entering the back half of his career.

In Caley’s first season, Gronkowski led all tight ends in receiving yards (1,084) and yards per reception (15.7) while earning his fifth Pro Bowl nod. He was also named an AP First-Team All-Pro selection.

That same season, fullback James Develin earned his first Pro Bowl nod under Caley’s watch.

As the pass-game coordinator, Caley spent time with Matthew Stafford, who posted strong numbers en route to a division title. The veteran quarterback finished with 20 touchdown passes against eight interceptions and completed 65.8% of his pass attempts.

Caley’s work with tight ends should benefit the Texans, too. Under his teaching last year, Tyler Higbee broke multiple franchise records for Los Angeles, including surpassing Harold Jackson for 14th all-time receiving yards.

Higbee also passes Jack Snow and Elroy Hirsch, moving into ninth all-time in franchise history in receptions.

Since Caley’s arrival, Higbee’s totaled 55 catches for 461 yards and four touchdowns, though he was limited most of the 2024 season after suffering a torn ACL late last year.

Caley went to John Carroll University, the same alma mater as Texans’ general manager Nick Caserio. He was in New England during Caserio’s time before he departed for Houston in 2021.

When DeMeco Ryans was hired in 2023, Caley initially interviewed for the opening offensive coordinator position before the job landed with Bobby Slowik.

With the interview, Caley will become the fourth person to meet with Houston, joining Buccaneers quarterbacks coach Thad Lewis, Syracuse offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon and Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson.

Texans Wire OC candidates: Making the case for Syracuse OC Jeff Nixon

Jeff Nixon just led Syracuse to the top passing attack in college football and might be the favorite to replace Bobby Slowik with the Houston Texans

The Houston Texans are looking for a new man to lead the offense following the firing of offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik Friday afternoon.

Fresh off back-to-back AFC South division titles, Houston remains a prime location for any play-caller to flourish. The Texans have the quarterback in C.J. Stroud. They also have weapons, with Pro Bowlers Nico Collins and Joe Mixon back for 2025.

The Texans are expected to make a run at several offensive pieces in free agency and the draft, thus bolstering the personnel heading into 2025. And until plans change in Indianapolis, Tennessee, or Jacksonville, Houston remains the favorite to win the division entering next fall.

So, who are the top candidates?

Texans Wire will analyze a candidate each day until the hiring process concludes. Today, we begin with the individual that most fans wish will depart and move to Houston.

First, let’s discuss the guy the Texans just interviewed: Syracuse’s Jeff Nixon.

Background

Current position: Syracuse offensive coordinator

Previous coaching experience: New York Giants running backs coach (2023), Carolina Panthers running backs coach/interim offensive coordinator (2020-22), Baylor offensive coordinator (20017-19), San Francisco 49ers tight ends coach (2016), Miami Dolphins running backs coach (2011-15), Philadelphia Eagles assistant coach (2007-10)

Interview: Monday, Jan. 27, 2025

Pros

Nixon’s offense made a splash in the ACC this past season under first-year head coach Fran Brown. While most expected the run game to be a focal point of the Orange’s success, it was the high-tempo passing performance that excelled the ACC club to a record-setting campaign.

As the primary play-caller, Nixon’s personnel was the nation’s No. 1 passing offense, averaging 370 yards per game. Former Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord led the NCAA in passing yards (4,799) and passing attempts (592).

The senior also broke former Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson’s single-season ACC passing record at Clemson set in 2016 while leading SU to its first 10-win season since 2018.

Running back LeQuint Allen also led the NCAA in catches for running backs (64) and had over 1,500 scrimmage yards. Allen also averaged 4.5 yards per attempt and scored 16 rushing touchdowns in 12 games.

If the Texans want to be a more up-tempo offense in 2025, Nixon should remain in the running. According to The Houston Chronicle’s Sam Warren, SU primarily lived in short passing attacks.

Nearly half of McCord’s pass attempts were between 0-9 yards, while his release time of 2.4 seconds was the fifth-fastest among FBS passers. Stroud’s 2.97 seconds was the NFL’s ninth-fastest. The former No. 2 overall pick also loves to attack the middle of the field, as evident by his connections with Tank Dell and Dalton Schultz in 2023.

Houston ranked 24th in explosive plays last season behind Slowik’s offense. Nixon’s unit was one of the best. McCord ranked second nationally on passes of 20+ air yards, completing 53% of his throws for nine touchdowns against three turnovers.

Unlike Stroud, McCord’s system allowed him to thrive under pressure. According to Warren,  McCord’s 26.9% was the fifth-highest in the country. Stroud was pressured 39.4% on dropbacks.

The system will differ from Slowik’s design, but it’s meant to help move the chains promptly. Nixon emphasizes production and consistency as the root of the offensive approach. It works in all three stages of the field and eliminates one option as the go-to force in the passing game.

Cons

Nixon’s limited time as a play-caller in the pros did not go as planned. After Matt Rhule was fired in 2022, he took over as the interim offensive coordinator and struggled to build momentum.

Credit, Nixon was working with an aging Cam Newton who had lost the ability to throw and a lackluster run game that traded away Christian McCaffery, so the designs were one-dimensional. But after the season concluded, he never received an interview for an opening to call plays in the offseason.

All of Nixon’s success running an offense has come at the college level. Will it translate to the pros? It’s a concern since any more regression could stall the growth of Stroud as he enters Year 3.

Syracuse also featured a five-tool passing attack, with four players hauling at least 50 passes. Five totaled over 500 yards and three found the end zone eight-plus times.

Is that sustainable for the current offensive status? Collins is back as the top receiver. Mixon returns in the backfield. Everyone else is up for grabs, including free agents Robert Woods and Stefon Diggs on the market.

Final Verdict

Initially, fans seemed frustrated at the interview, but the more you dive into the Xs and Os, Nixon is a solid option. Areas of weakness for Stroud last season were positions for strength for McCord, who served as Stroud’s backup at Ohio State for two seasons.

NFL experience plus time a play-caller crosses off two immediate boxes that have concerned fans. A background in the running back likely adds to Nixon’s case since the run game was an arid weakness before Mixon’s arrival.

Then again, Stroud is the selling point, so having experience as a quarterbacks coach might be a prerequisite.

The Texans must comply with the Rooney Rule and interview two minority candidates. Could Nixon just fit a quota? Perhaps, but the more you dive into his personnel packages, the more you like him.

Houston fans might not be on board with the move based on name alone, but appearances can be deceiving. It’s not the slam dunk hire based on name, yet it could be why Stroud returns to All-Pro form.

But other names still exist. Let’s play it safe and say Nixon has a hair’s chance to stand on the sidelines at NRG Stadium come Week 1.

Chances of hiring: 15%

Texans land homegrown WR talent, Stefon Diggs replacement in PFF Mock Draft

The Houston Texans could bring back a former Cougar following a one-year stay in Austin.

If Stefon Diggs leaves in free agency, wide receiver depth moves up the pecking order for the Houston Texans’ offeseason needs.

As the Texans plan to enter the offseason, Diggs remains the top internal free agent who could return in 2025. After being limited to eight games following a torn ACL, a reunion could be in the work on a one-year deal to better his market in 2026.

But even if the Texans were to reach a deal with the four-time Pro Bowler, they need stability past 2025. Tank Dell, who was expected to be the long-term No. 2 behind Nico Collins, suffered another season-ending injury, putting his status in jeopardy for the next year’s run to the postseason.

It’s why Pro Football Focus has Houston solidifying its receiving corp at pick No. 25 with the addition of Texas receiver Matthew Golden. After a breakout season in Austin, the former Houston Cougar has the upside as a talented No. 2 target in any offensive system.

Stefon Diggs’ impending free agency and Tank Dell‘s likely lengthy absence due to another serious leg injury should have the Texans looking to add a receiver to complement Nico Collins. Golden was a breakout player for the Longhorns this year, as his PFF receiving grade against single coverage and zone coverage were both in the 90th percentile for FBS wide receivers.

Following the firing of Dana Holgerson, Golden elected to enter the transfer portal. By the midway point of his first year with the Longhorns, he had become the go-to target for Quinn Ewers en route to a College Football Playoff bid and a 13-3 season.

The Houston native finished with career-highs in catches (58), receiving yards (987) yards per catch (17.0) and touchdowns (9). He also stepped up in the biggest games for Texas last season, totaling 162 yards and a touchdown in the SEC Championship and catching a game-tying 28-yard touchdown pass in overtime against Arizona State in the Peach Bowl to go along with 149 yards.

The Texans also have an infatuation with targeting local products in the draft in the past. Offensive lineman Kenyon Green,  defensive back Jalen Pitre, and defensive Dylan Horton all grew up in Houston, while Dell played at Houston for three seasons and posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons.

If the Texans can shore up their offensive line woes in free agency, Golden would be a gold addition to the passing game.

NFL fines Texans DE Will Anderson for ref comments vs. Chiefs

The Houston Texans star defensive end is being fined by the league office for calling out the refs.

Houston Texans Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon was reissued a $25,000 fine by the NFL on Wednesday for his comments about the officiating in the divisional round loss against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Now, Will Anderson Jr. is getting the same penalty.

According to KRPC2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, Anderson was fined $25,000 by the NFL for his postgame comments on the controversial officiating calls against the two-time defending champions.

Multiple times, the Texans were slapped with penalties because of supposed late hits against Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes that led to scoring drives. Anderson was flagged for roughing the passer on third down, eventually leading to a Harrison Butker field goal.

Linebacker Henry To’oTo’o and Anderson were called for an unnecessary roughness play as Mahomes, which led to an 11-yard touchdown pass to Travis Kelce.

The Texans couldn’t catch a break during a frustrating loss despite outplaying Kansas City in nearly every phase.

“We knew it was going to be us versus the refs going into this game,” Anderson said postgame.

Perhaps the lone positive of the unheralded calls is that the league will discuss those to be reviewed and later reversed during the offseason.

Anderson also made it clear that Houston didn’t lose because of officiating, but rather self-inflicted wounds.

“At the end of the day, it’s about us,” Anderson said. “We have to do a better job of executing, we have to do a better job of being ready and no matter what the outcome we have to do a better job of handling Texans business on both sides of the ball.”

The Texans finish the 2024 season 11-8 after securing their second AFC South division title. Houston owns the No. 25 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Texans move off 3 more coaches following Bobby Slowik’s firing

Three coaches won’t be back with the Houston Texans as their contracts have expired.

Bobby Slowik was the headliner of Houston Texans‘ coaches to be let go following Saturday’s divisional-round loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, but he wasn’t the only one.

According to multiple reports, Texans do not plan to renew contracts for offensive assistants Jarrod James and Leander Wallace and defensive assistant Ryan Milus. Their contracts have all expired.

The three coaches join Slowik and offensive line coach Chris Strausser. After conflicting reports, assistant offensive line coach Cole Popovich was not fired, though his contract expired and might leave depending on the new offensive coordinator.

Wallace joined the Texans in 2021 and worked in various roles, initially in the football operations department before becoming a coach. James joined the staff after spending time in East Lansing as Michigan State’s assistant offensive line coach.

Milus was hired when DeMeco Ryans arrived from San Francisco in 2023.

After the nine-point loss last week, Ryans said he wanted to take the franchise to new heights after struggling to get over the hump. Houston has won 10-plus games back-to-back years but lost in the divisional round to the top seed as the lowest-ranked divisional winner.

“That’s how this business has been since I’ve been involved in almost 20 years now, it changes every single year,” Ryans said. “So that happens, there’ll be difficult conversations to have but that is the nature of what we do.”

A new offensive coordinator is expected to be hired within the week. Both special teams coordinator Frank Ross and defensive coordinator Matt Burke are expected back for 2025.

Around the NFL: Jaguars land new head coach for 2025 season

The Jacksonville Jaguars have found their next head coach in a man from the same state.

The Houston Texans will take on a new version of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025.

After an eventual 72 hours around the Sunshine State, resulting in the firing of a GM, internal betrayal by a beloved play-caller and multiple secret meetings, the Jaguars have found their replacement for Doug Pederson and hopeful long-term guru to fix franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence in 2025 and beyond.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen informed the team Thursday night that he was leaving for the AFC South franchise after initially turning down the deal on Tuesday afternoon.

Coen, who guided Baker Mayfield to a career-best 41 touchdown passes in 2024, was the favorite to land the job after Detriot Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson took the Chicago Bears.

After further consideration, Coen took his name out of the running and planned on signing an extension to make him the league’s highest-paid offensive coordinator for Year 2 with Mayfield.

This is where things get interesting. Three weeks after firing Pederson and retaining general manager Trent Baalke, Jacksonville made a change. Baalke hit the exit since nobody wanted the job with him calling the shots and owner Shad Khan reignited conversations with Coen about the opening.

Coen secretly traveled to Jacksonville on Thursday afternoon and met with Khan and interim general manager Ethan Waugh. According to reports, one of the top-selling points for the 39-year-old offensive mind was that he’d have the ability to influence the hire of the next GM.

On Thursday, after speaking with head coach Todd Bowles, Coen told representatives in Tampa he’s be leaving for north Florida in the morning.
Coen was one of 10 candidates the Jaguars interviewed after a 4-13 season. He will be the eighth head coach in franchise history and the third offensive coach in four hires.

The Jaguars were looking to fix Lawrence after a woeful 2024 season. The good news is there are pieces for the team to strike fast this fall. Breakout wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. headlines a weapon’s chest that features tight end Evan Engram, receiver Christian Kirk and running backs Tank Bigsby and Travis Etienne are all under contract for another year.

The Jaguars ranked 31st in average yards before first contact per rush (2.15) and 30th in total rushing yards before first contact (1,867) from 2023-24, according to ESPN research.

Houston, which claimed its second straight AFC South title, continues to handle business against the Jaguars, dating back to 2018. In six seasons, the Texans are 11-2 when taking on the Cats of Duval County.

Coen looks to bring a winning culture to EverBank Stadium next fall. It’ll be an uphill battle since the Jaguars have posted 10 double-digit losing seasons in the 13 years under Khan.