Texans HC DeMeco Ryans explains hiring of Cole Popovich as new offensive line coach
Perhaps one of the more surprising moves of the Houston Texans' early offeseason moves was the hiring process of the offensive line coach.
After firing Chris Strausser last month, DeMeco Ryans waited to hire a replacement for one of the league's worst units in 2024. Once the Texans hired Nick Caley, sights turned to assistant offensive line coach Cole Popovich as a potential internal option.
While the optics might not look promising, there are more positives to Popovich's return as the full-time offensive line coach entering the 2025 season. When asked about the promotion on Thursday, Ryans said that his work with younger players and previous relationship with Caley were factors that led to the decision.
'I think very highly of Cole and what he's able to do,' Ryans said. 'I think him having a prior relationship with Nick as well, and them being able to work together and them to hit the ground running instantly, I think that also lead to my decision, and I know we'll be better for it.'
Head Coach Demeco Ryans's comments on Cole Popovich's promotion. The end of the first sentence '…just having one voice to lead it.'
That feels like something. pic.twitter.com/s066rw6wAB
— TexansCap (@TexansCap) February 14, 2025
Despite being a part of a coaching staff that helped an offensive line give up 54 sacks last season, Popovich was one of the positives. His relationship with Jarrett Patterson helped Houston secure stability at the center position midway through the year.
In the room, Popovich's primary responsibility as the assistant offensive line coach was to coach the run-blocking. That unit helped Joe Mixon rush for over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Caley's hiring likely was a deciding point on Popovich's status. The two spent several years together in New England and have a history of a working relationship. Both were also part of staffs that won multiple Super Bowls in the heyday of the Tom Brady-Bill Belichick regime.
Expecting a whole lot of north-south running from Nick Caley and Cole Popovich.
Staple of what they did with New England and, coincidentally, a strong schematic advantage in 2025 as defenses look smaller up front #HTownMade pic.twitter.com/Zl2M71kiIO
— John Crumpler (@JohnCrumplerMD) February 6, 2025
'He is a very good football coach and I'm excited to go through this process with him,' Caley said of Popovich.
There's a reason for skepticism, but also there are reasons for optimism. Time will tell if Popovich was a problem or being held back by poor execution throughout a critical season in the Texans' history.
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