Texans two coordinators named to breakout coaching candidates for 2026 season
· Yahoo Sports
Everyone knows about the dominance of Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans since entering the league as a coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers back in 2021.
Since then, the Texans' coaching staff has seen plenty of rising names, but there have been some questions at the coordinator positions. Matt Burke didn't call plays on defense until last season and first-year offensive coordinator Nick Caley wasn't in charge of C.J. Stroud since Bobby Slowik took over as the offensive coordinator in 2023.
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But is there a high chance this fall that both coordinators will be named head coaches in waiting? The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue seems to believe in the notion, as both Texans' play-callers were a part of the list she put together featuring current NFL assistant coaches who could break out in 2026.
"The two coordinators will be very interesting to study in a season of lofty expectations in Houston," Rodrigue wrote. "Caley’s offense is expected to take another step forward (aided by a retooled run game and the addition of running back David Montgomery) while Burke took over defensive play calling from head coach DeMeco Ryans last season and excelled in the role."
Burke should come as no surprise, since the Texans were top-five in every defensive category last season en route to a 12-win campaign. Nine starters return from that defense, including four Pro Bowlers and two first-team All-Pros at defensive end and cornerback. The Texans also added Eagles safety Reed Blankenship and drafted Ohio State All-American defensive tackle Kayden McDonald.
Rodrigue also named defensive backs coach Dino Vasso as a name to watch for in the offseason to receive a promotion to defensive coordinator somewhere around the league.
"Defensive backs coach Dino Vasso deserves a significant mention here, too — the Texans have become a talent factory at every position in their secondary under Vasso, who could get even more coordinator interest this spring."
Offensively, what changes do we see with the Texans in Year 2 of Caley? The wide receiver room will be more veteran with the maturity of Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins. The run game should also improve with the arrival of former Detroit Lions star David Montgomery.
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The Texans return for the start of full training camp on July 28.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans two coordinators named to breakout coaching candidates for 2026 season