Johnathan Joseph 'Instrumental' In Texans Secondary Development

DeMeco Ryans' Houston Texans are proud beneficiaries of the Bill Walsh NFL Diversity Coaching Fellowship, headlined by former cornerback Johnathan Joseph.

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans’ success in San Francisco has made him one of the most regarded coaching candidates in recent memory. It hasn’t made him above a little help.

Former Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph has stopped by camp this summer to assist with practice and aid in the development of Houston’s defensive backs. He has been given this opportunity through the Bill Walsh NFL Diversity Coaching Fellowship.

The program is meant to address the NFL’s diversity problem by giving aspiring candidates hands-on experience at the league’s highest level.

Joseph spent time with former third-overall pick Derek Stingley Jr., who is expected to take on more man coverage assignments in his second season. Ryans recently spoke about the impact Joseph has had and expressed his appreciation for the fellowship.

“It’s been great having Johnathan Joseph around,” said Ryans. “I think he’s been really instrumental in helping our young defensive backs, especially working with Stingley. And him just being able to relate.

“He’s been in that position, he understands what it looks like, he understands what it takes to be a really great player.”

A two-time Pro Bowler and one of the best Texans of the 2010s, Joseph is beloved in Houston and has quickly gained the respect of the coaching staff. If he were to earn a full-time role with the Texans, he would not be the first success story the fellowship has produced.

“I just asked all our guys who were a part of that program to stand up,” Ryans began. “You look at our staff, and I think we have about five or six guys who were a part of that program who are now on an NFL coaching staff.

“So it shows that the program is definitely vital and it’s important to see guys get the opportunities … and that’s what the Bill Walsh program provides.”

Ryans and Joseph will get to see the fruits of their labor pay off on Sunday when the Texans face the New Orleans Saints in their final preseason game. 

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You can follow Anthony Licciardi on Twitter @ALiccScouting.

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