Sep 18, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans linebackers coach Mike Vrabel talks with inside linebacker Akeem Dent (50) and linebacker Brennan Scarlett (57) before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at NRG Stadium. Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Houston has promoted linebackers coach Mike Vrabel to defensive coordinator. Vrabel will replace Romeo Crennel, who will remain on the staff in a senior advisor role.
The Washington Redskins were interested in talking to Crennel about their vacant defensive coordinator position, but were denied permission, a source told ESPN’s Adam Caplan.
Crennel was the Texans’ defensive coordinator for the past three seasons and his contract was set to expire next Tuesday.
The news of Vrabel’s promotion was first reported by The MMQB.com.
The 41-year-old Vrabel spent 14 seasons as a linebacker in the NFL and was selected for the Pro Bowl in 2007 with the New England Patriots. He won three Super Bowl championships while with the Patriots.
After retiring, Vrabel joined the Ohio State coaching staff for three seasons before being hired by the Texans in 2014 to join head coach Bill O’Brien’s staff.
Vrabel turned down an offer from then-San Francisco 49ers coach Chip Kelly to be his defensive coordinator last January.
The 69-year-old Crennel was the Cleveland Browns’ head coach from 2005 to 2008. He joined the Texans in 2014. Crennel was Vrabel’s defensive coordinator with the Patriots from 2001 to 2004.
The Texans’ defense finished the regular season ranked No. 1 in the NFL in total defense despite losing three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt, who was put on injured reserve before the Week 4 game.
The Texans fired offensive coordinator George Godsey on Monday, two days after the Texans’ 34-16 AFC divisional playoff loss to the Patriots.
