Texans to Retain Assistant Offensive Line Coach Cole Popovich

The Houston Texans were able to keep another important member of their coaching staff in assistant offensive line coach Cole Popovich.

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans have been lucky to keep their coaching staff together after a successful 2023 season. According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC, the Texans have retained assistant offensive line coach Cole Popovich.

Popovich had drawn interest from several teams around the league, which included an in-person interview with the Washington Commanders. According to Wilson, the Texans kept Popovich after revamping his contract.

Several young players had an impact on Houston's offensive line while working alongside Popovich. One of which was rookie Juice Scruggs, who helped the Texans take a 45-14 Wild Card victory over the Cleveland Browns. In 22 passing block snaps, Scruggs did not allow a sack or a pressure in the win.

Texans outside linebacker Juice Scruggs (70) stretches during rookie camp at the Methodist practice facility / Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Highlighted by offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, the Texans had several coaches who could have departed the franchise this off-season. However, coach DeMeco Ryans was able to keep his staff intact for another season.

Slowik was in the running for several head coaching jobs but decided to return to Houston to continue building alongside Ryans and Pro Bowl quarterback C.J. Stroud. 

Texans' quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson was another prominent candidate who could have left during the off-season for an offensive coordinator role. However, he returned to Houston due to the same reasons as Slowik.

Defensive line coach Jacques Cesaire was the most significant loss to Ryans' staff. Cesaire's departure came following his jettison in January, but he has since joined the Cleveland Browns' staff under coach Kevin Stefanski.

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"It’s a credit to our staff and the success that we had throughout the year, and a lot of people are trying to see what’s going on in Houston, and a lot of people want to have interview requests," Ryans said. "of course, it’s kind of the nature of success. When you have success, other people want to see what’s going on and probably want to take some guys to help them out as well. It’s a tough part of it, but it’s part of the business."