Examining David Culley’s Potential Houston Texans Staff

Yesterday’s news that your Houston Texans signed their newest head coach, David Culley, to run the team probably came as a shock to many. Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy was the fan favorite, and frankly, my favorite as well. But, alas, Nick Caserio and Cal McNair played favorites, too, and chose Culley.

Now, the Twitter-sphere is awash with all sorts of “according to sources” rumors trying to piece together the future Texans coaching staff.

Here’s what we know so far:

Houston Texans New Head Coach - David Culley

A career assistant with the Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens, Culley has spent the last two seasons working with the Raven’s Lamar Jackson. His hiring is a bit controversial due to his lack of prior head coaching credits and Baltimore’s lack of passing game success in 2020, when Culley also had the title of passing game coordinator. However, many “in the know” think this was a masterful move by Nick Caserio and the Texans brass.

Houston Texans New Offensive Coordinator - Tim Kelly

Deshaun Watson requested Tim Kelly stick around and he got his wish. Now for Kelly, Culley and Caserio to do whatever else needs to happen to bring Watson back into the fold.

Houston Texans New Defensive Coordinator - maybe Lovie Smith

Lovie Smith is one of the men responsible for developing the Tampa 2 defense, devised with Tony Dungy when the two coached in Tampa Bay in the late 90s when Smith was the Tampa defensive coordinator. After Tampa, Smith joined the St. Louis Rams staff as their DC and improved a league worst defense to one of the best in one offseason. Hopefully, he can bring that sort of juice to Houston.

Smith is also a guy who might inspire J.J. Watt to stay in H-Town.

Houston Texans New Special Teams Coordinator - maybe Frank Ross

A former New England Patriot scout, Ross has served as the Indianapolis Colts’ assistant special teams coordinator for the last few seasons. Stealing a successful Colts coach is always a good thing.

Houston Texans New Quarterbacks Coach - maybe Josh McCown

While McCown doesn’t have a lengthy coaching resume, he was able to build a strong rapport with Watson in his brief time on the Texans coaching staff and was part of Watson’s 2020 success. Keeping him around seems like a smart move, especially since Watson loves the guy.

This is clearly a fluid situation, and these roles are not all set in stone. As things change and this staff solidifies, we’ll keep you informed.