Report: Texans’ Mike Vrabel declines 49ers defensive coordinator job

Houston Texans linebackers coach Mike Vrabel turned down an offer to become the San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator.

Houston Texans linebackers coach Mike Vrabel turned down an offer to become the San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator, reports John Middlekauff of 95.7 The Game. 

Vrabel, 40, has worked with the linebackers in Houston since being hired by head coach Bill O’Brien in 2014. He previously spent three seasons on the coaching staff at Ohio State, coaching linebackers and defensive line. 

Vrabel retired as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2010 after playing 14 NFL seasons. He is most remembered for his nine seasons with the New England Patriots, during which he won thee Super Bowls and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2007.

49ers head coach Chip Kelly is looking for a defensive coordinator who can improve the poor defenses that plagued his tenure in Philadelphia. During his three seasons leading the Eagles, Kelly’s team never finished better than 28th in total defense. 

Eric Mangini, who served as San Francisco's defensive coordinator last season, is the only other candidate reported to be under consideration, according to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle.