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Mike Vrabel To Interview With San Francisco 49ers

The Houston Texans linebackers coach is gunning for the top defensive job with the San Francisco 49ers.

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The coaching carousel has continued to spin, putting for Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly in San Francisco with the 49ers. Kelly, as part of the process of putting together his new coaching staff, is interviewing Houston Texans linebackers coach Mike Vrabel for the vacant defensive coordinator position on Tuesday, per multiple reports.

Vrabel played 14 seasons in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs and most famously with the New England Patriots under head coach Bill Belichick. After his playing career, Vrabel joined his alma mater (Ohio State) as linebackers coach in 2011 and then served as defensive line coach in 2012-13.

Vrabel was added to the Texans' coaching staff in 2014 as former Patriots assistant coaches Bill O'Brien (head coach) and Romeo Crennel (defensive coordinator) took over in Houston.

In the second season under Vrabel, the Texans saw a jump to 45 sacks -- up from 38 in 2014. Linebacker Whitney Mercilus increased his sack total from 5 to 12 over the last two seasons.

There are reports that Kelly would keep current defensive coordinator Eric Mangini -- per Fox Sports. Former Eagles coordinator Bill Davis is also under consideration for the opening at DC in San Francisco.

UPDATE: It would appear the San Francisco defensive coordinator job is Vrabel's if he wants it.

UPDATE II: He doesn't want it. WOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!