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Over the past few days, there had been rumours swirling about ex-Patriot WR Wes Welker joining the Texans' coaching staff. Those rumours became fact today with the announcement of Houston's 2017 coaching staff:
The @HoustonTexans announce 2017 assistant coaching staff: pic.twitter.com/E658MfLrVP
— Texans PR (@TexansPR) January 30, 2017
The Texans' outstanding defensive staff has returned mostly intact with John Butler as the secondary coach and Mike Vrabel moving up to the defensive coordinator position after Romeo Crennel was named assistant head oach. The vacancy that Vrabel left at the LB coaching spot will be filled by Bobby King. King was a member of the Texans' defensive staff from 2011-2013, serving as Assistant Linebackers Coach and as a Defensive Assistant before moving to the San Diego Chargers to become an assistant with them.
Welker, on the other hand, will join the Texans' staff as an Offensive Assistant. Welker is well versed in Bill O'Brien's system, having worked with O'Brien during his stint in New England. Welker last played in the NFL for the St. Louis Rams during the 2015-16 season. He had previously had two exceptional stints playing in New England (where he won multiple Super Bowls) and Denver, where he was a part of their infamous passing offense. It is interesting to note that while many might have had Welker pegged as a potential wide receivers coach, that position was instead given to John Perry, who has moved from the tight ends coach to wide receivers coach to cover for Sean Ryan's promotion to quarterbacks coach.
The Texans have set their staff for the new season. Are you surprised Welker wasn't slotted straight in with the WRs? How do you feel about their seemingly being no Offensive Coordinator going forward? Sound off on that and anything else that catches your eye in the comments below.