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Well, it looks like the 2020 coaching carousel may have come to a screeching halt. It’s being reported by Tom Pelissero that your Houston Texans have decided to hire former Baltimore Ravens Assistant Head Coach David Culley as their new Head Coach.
The #Texans are working towards a deal with David Culley to make him their head coach, sources tell me, @RapSheet and @MikeGarafolo.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 28, 2021
The sides have to work out the contract, but it appears the #Texans have their man. As @McClain_on_NFL predicted, it's David Culley. https://t.co/P238oaQ5wJ
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 28, 2021
Culley has most recently been a part of the Baltimore coaching staff since 2019. Prior to that, he worked for the Bills from 2017-2018 as their quarterbacks coach, and he also worked with Andy Reid as his Assistant Head Coach from 2013-2016.
Culley worked with Deshaun Watson during the Pro Bowl last year, in which they seemingly forged a good connection.
David Culley, traveling to Houston on Tuesday for his second job interview with Texans, coached Deshaun Watson in the Pro Bowl last year as part of Ravens' coaching staff. Watson and Culley built a really good connection that week, according to sources
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) January 25, 2021
Culley has no prior head coaching experience and was frankly a surprise candidate for this opening. The clear fan favorite was Eric Bieniemy, but it seems the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator won’t even be getting a second interview.
Soon-to-be #Texans coach David Culley has received praise for his leadership and the way he connects with players. Now, the #Ravens assistant head coach will attempt to do so in Houston.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 28, 2021
Newly minted GM Nick Caserio has picked the guy to take the reigns of the franchise for at least the next few years. Culley will have his work cut out for him as he faces tough decisions personnel-wise, an empty cupboard of draft selections, and an openly frustrated franchise quarterback.
Only time will tell how Culley’s tenure in Houston will go, but it’s not like he’s totally unqualified. Culley has worked in the NFL since 1995 and has been on some impressive staffs. While he’s certainly no spring chicken, Culley is well seasoned when it comes to the offensive side of the ball. With how the Houston fanbase has been in turmoil the last few weeks, this hire may come as negative news to some. However, let’s give him a fair shot.