Texans Hire Longtime Assistant Billy Davis As New Linebackers Coach
INDIANAPOLIS -- The Houston Texans have a new linebackers coach.
According to reports, the Texans are hiring Billy Davis to replace Chris Kiffin. Kiffin, who joined the staff under DeMeco Ryans last offseason, recently interviewed for the Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator opening earlier this offseason.
A veteran mind with extensive knowledge of the position, Davis served as defensive coordinator for the Eagles from 2013-15. He also served as defensive coordinator for the Cardinals (2009-10) and 49ers (2005-06).
Davis' father, Bill Davis, also coached in the NFL for two-plus decades prior to his retirement.
Linebacker has been the backbone of Ryans' defense since his time in San Francisco. After a rocky rookie season under Lovie Smith, Christian Harris blossomed into one of the top rising stars at the position under Ryans' guidance, totaling a career-high 101 tackles and two sacks.
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"The sky is the limit for Christian," said Ryans Tuesday during his media session at the NFL Scouting Combine. "Christian is one of the fastest linebackers I've had a chance to work with very explosive instinctive player. I'm excited. I see last year as Christian's rookie year. It was his first year and I'm excited to see him build off what he did last year."
With Denzel Perryman and Blake Cashman hitting free agency, linebacker is expected to be a target position this offseason. The Texans could bring back Cashman on an affordable deal, but after leading the team in tackles, he might be looking for more than Houston is willing to pay.
Another name to monitor on the market is former Tennessee Titans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. After playing under Ryans in San Francisco, Al-Shaair elected to sign with the AFC South rival on a one-year, $5 million deal.
Al-Shaair finished with 163 total tackles and two sacks.
Should Houston pivot toward the draft, several names to monitor include Texas A&M's Edgerrin Cooper, N.C. State's Payton Wilson, Texas' Jaylan Ford and Clemson's Jermiah Trotter Jr., among others.
The Texans currently own the No. 23 pick in April's draft.
