/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68757882/899014504.0.jpg)
Way back in January of 2015, the Houston Texans hired Mike Devlin to be their offensive line coach. Since then, Brandon Brooks, Ben Jones, and David Quessenberry left the team to become better players in Philadelphia and Tennessee, respectively. The Texans brought in free agents Jeff Allen, Zach Fulton, and Seantrel Henderson, only for them to become worse players than they were in Kansas City and Buffalo, respectively. During that time, Houston drafted Nick Martin, Julie’n Davenport, Martinas Rankin, Tytus Howard, and Max Scharping; none of them lived up to their potential, and two of them were traded before their rookie contracts came to an end. This past season, despite having invested two first round picks, two second round picks, and $32 million in cap space into their offensive line, the Texans had the worst run offense by DVOA and Deshaun Watson was the third-most sacked quarterback in the NFL.
At the center of all of this was Mike Devlin. Repeatedly, offensive linemen left to get better and came to Houston to become worse. Only Laremy Tunsil was able to play through the Devlin coaching regimen at a similar level, mainly because he was the one teaching Devlin about offensive line play.
With a new coaching staff in Houston, the Texans are finally ready to move on from Mike Devlin. The former offensive line coach is fielding interviews from Pittsburgh and New York (Giants). The Texans are looking to interview Ravens assistant Richard Angulo.
Texans OL coach Mike Devin, interviewing for Giants OL job, was also requested by Steelers, but didn't interview w/ them. Texans evaluating multiple candidates, including discussions today w/ Ravens assistant OL coach and former NFL tight end Richard Angulo, according to sources
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 1, 2021
Texans evaluate offensive line coach candidates, including Ravens' assistant Richard Angulo https://t.co/dDCnPMk4tG
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 1, 2021
Whatever ends up happening, the divorce the Texans and Devlin are going through is for the better. Maybe, with new coaching, Scharping will finally be strong enough to play guard. Maybe Howard will finally be able to run block. Maybe Martin will finally be able to reach the nose tackle. Maybe the Texans’ investment in their offensive line will finally pay off with Devlin no longer around.