Former Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Mike Vrabel is taking over the defensive coordinator reins from Romeo Crennel with the Houston Texans.
The Houston Texans are making a change at defensive coordinator this year, and interestingly enough, both men involved have a history with the Kansas City Chiefs. As former Chiefs head coach Romeo Crennel accepts a promotion to move from defensive coordinator to assistant head coach for the Texans, all under Bill O’Brien, former linebacker Mike Vrabel will be stepping into his shoes as the new DC.
Vrabel definitely sounds ready in a recent report from the Houston Chronicle. If any player can make the transition from his days on the field to coaching others, Vrabel is exactly the kind of guy you envision making that leap. He has championship experience and was always the consummate professional on and off the field. He was respected by everyone and played his heart out, and that was true of his earliest days with the New England Patriots or his final years with the Chiefs.
"“I’ve been with Mike several years as a player and saw how he progressed that way, and then as a coach the last couple years,” said Romeo Crennel. “I think he’s ready. He’s organized. He’s a hard worker. He’s smart. Only time will tell, but I think he’ll do very well.”"
As for what Texans fans (or opponents) should expect from the Texans under Vrabel, he had two points of emphasis.
"“We ask every player to know what to do, to play fast and aggressive,” Vrabel said. “We’re not going to put you out there if you don’t know what do and we clearly can’t put you out there if you don’t play fast and aggressive.”"
Given that the Texans have weapons like J.J. Watt, Whitney Mercilus, Jadeveon Clowney and more, the defense should have no problem living up to that, and Vrabel will look good commanding such a unit with a perspective of having done so himself.