Texans Intend to Hire Romeo Crennel as Defensive Coordinator

[Warren]

It's now being reported (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/04/bill-obrien-clears-out-texans-staff-to-hire-romeo-crennel/) that there won't be any holdovers on the coaching staff and Crennel will indeed be the DC.

[Keith]

Starting a new thread with this since Crennel's potential hire is a significant move.

This is being reported via tweet from Alex Marvez on FoxSports.
https://twitter.com/alexmarvez/status/419488879389835264

[Keith]

Crennel has favored a 2-gap 3-4 system, which is somewhat different from the more aggressive 1-gap 3-4 style Wade Phillips used. With a 2-gap 3-4, there is more read-and-react which is more like the Capers front than the Phillips one.

Hiring Crennel would cast the discussion of drafting Jadaveon Clowney in a bit different light... Clowney, like Mario Williams, can play and probably excel in any defensive scheme (as Bill O'Brien stated, the game is mostly played in nickel and dime now anyway), but I think Clowney is best suited for a 4-3.

[barrett]

I hope I never see Watt with 2 gap responsibility.

[HPF Bob]

I like this hire. Romeo has the HC experience to help O'Brien though the rough spots and, like Wade, I think he's a more capable DC than a HC.

[nunusguy]

Crennel has favored a 2-gap 3-4 system, which is somewhat different from the more aggressive 1-gap 3-4 style Wade Phillips used. With a 2-gap 3-4, there is more read-and-react which is more like the Capers front than the Phillips one.

Hiring Crennel would cast the discussion of drafting Jadaveon Clowney in a bit different light... Clowney, like Mario Williams, can play and probably excel in any defensive scheme (as Bill O'Brien stated, the game is mostly played in nickel and dime now anyway), but I think Clowney is best suited for a 4-3.
Going with the more traditional 2-gap 3-4 puts your best defensive player (JJ Watt) at a disadvantage and fails to exploit the opportunity of using him at his natural postion as strong-side 4-3 DE and also drafting the best DE coming out of colleg since atleast Julius Peppers as the weakside 4-3 DE. If this is true, then O'Briens first significant decision does not represent an auspicious start to his regime.

[barrett]

Going with the more traditional 2-gap 3-4 puts your best defensive player (JJ Watt) at a disadvantage and fails to exploit the opportunity of using him at his natural postion as strong-side 4-3 DE and also drafting the best DE coming out of colleg since atleast Julius Peppers as the weakside 4-3 DE. If this is true, then O'Briens first significant decision does not represent an auspicious start to his regime.

How do you figure Watt's natural position is a position he has never played in the NFL rather than the position he has been DPOY playing?

[nunusguy]

How do you figure Watt's natural position is a position he has never played in the NFL rather than the position he has been DPOY playing?

C'mon Barrett, you know as well as I do that whatever Wade's alignment was called, Watt was operating as a 1-gapper in the Phillip's defense which was probably much more like a 4-3 as we know it than what he would be doing in an old clunker 2-gap 3-4 that Crennel reportedly uses.

[barrett]

C'mon Barrett, you know as well as I do that whatever Wade's alignment was called, Watt was operating as a 1-gapper in the Phillip's defense which was probably much more like a 4-3 as we know it than what he would be doing in an old clunker 2-gap 3-4 that Crennel reportedly uses.

I know he was in a 1 gap system, that is why I posted above that I hope I never watch him with 2 gap responsibility. However, lining up at 34 DE in a 1 gap system is a long way off from playing 43 DE. Watt is way more dangerous inside and does most of his damage abusing guards. Very few of his sacks came from beating a Tackle to the outside. I think it is far more likely that he would be an upfield DT in the 43 (think Henry Melton) than a DE holding the edge against the run and trying to beat Tackles outside.

But the truth is I am guessing about his likely 43 position as much as you are. Any proclamation that a 43 position is his natural position is total make believe.

[nunusguy]

But the truth is I am guessing about his likely 43 position as much as you are. Any proclamation that a 43 position is his natural position is total make believe.
Not so, it's perceptive, perhaps even visionary.

[barrett]

Not so, it's perceptive, perhaps even visionary.

Do you think Watt makes more plays inside or outside?

You don't want a 43 DE who is constantly jumping/crashing inside. It ruins contain against both pass and run. 43 DEs don't shoot gaps. JJ Watt does shoot gaps. I am sure he could be very effective as a 43 DE (he could probably play any postion, he's a freak), but he is at his best inside against the guard. You don't need to be a visionary to see that, just watch him play.

[HPF Bob]

Today's defenses are harder to lump into 3-4 or 4-3. They become situational based on down and distance. I'm not sure Watt is as explosive off the edge as he is in the line but I wouldn't be surprised if he excelled. Texans might even become more 5-2 on early downs.

One of my all-time favorites was Karl Mecklenberg who just lined up all over the field and created mismatches - too quick for interior linemen, too strong for TEs and RBs to block, fast enough to stay with backs down the field or to play a zone coverage.

If we drafted Clowney, you could set up a defense where he and Watt just roam all over the defensive line and create mismatches then unleash some really good edge rushers and you'd overwhelm a lot of opposing offenses.

[Warren]

Crennel has never had a DL with more than eight sacks in a season. Of course, he's never had one like JJ. It's hard to believe he'd try to make JJ a read-and-react block eater, but who knows. To date the most dynamic DL he's worked with is Richard Seymour, who was an All-Pro under Romeo.

[popanot]

Not a big fan of Crennel. Seems like Wade II retread territory to me. I saw a tweet the other day that Crennel is still getting a hefty payout from his HC stint in KC and that there is no Offset, which means he'd lose the payout if he takes a job with another team regardless if it's HC, DC, or whatever.

[nunusguy]

Reports are that Kollar is one coach who hasn't been sent packing yet ? Wonder what that's about ?
***********************
Per Tania Ganguli Tweet, looks like Kollar is the lone coach to be retained. Very Interesting ?
Texans retain DL coach, fire strength coaches: New Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien cleared out ... http://es.pn/1iaDnRD #Texans

[popanot]

Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt)
1/6/14, 2:58 PM
Have ben told Bill O'Brien will hire Brian Ferentz as his OL coach w #Texans. Son of Iowa HC Kirk Ferentz. Good choice.

[Warren]

I saw a tweet the other day that Crennel is still getting a hefty payout from his HC stint in KC and that there is no Offset, which means he'd lose the payout if he takes a job with another team regardless if it's HC, DC, or whatever.Usually no offset means that the coach can double dip -- he can get paid by the new team with no impact on what he's getting from the old one. I don't know why KC would've wanted a provision like that in the contract since all it would do is encourage Crennel not to coach after they fired him.

[popanot]

Usually no offset means that the coach can double dip -- he can get paid by the new team with no impact on what he's getting from the old one. I don't know why KC would've wanted a provision like that in the contract since all it would do is encourage Crennel not to coach after they fired him.Perhaps I used the wrong terminology. I just remember seeing someone on NFLN saying that KC is still paying him and if accepts another coaching position, regardless if it's HC/DC, the remainder of his KC contract is null and void. Not sure if that's true or not tho.

[Warren]

Got it, I’m just saying that usually when a team wants to avoid paying a coach that they’ve fired, they try to include an offset provision in the contract and encourage him to go find a new job so they’ll be relieved of at least part of what they’d have to pay. If the contract says that he loses the whole payout if he takes any new job, all that does is encourage him to sit on the couch and cash their check unless a really great offer comes along.

[popanot]

Looks like Vrabel will be joining the staff in some capacity. Perhaps LB coach.

Bill Greene (@BillBankGreene)
1/9/14, 4:39 PM
I can confirm that Mike Vrabel is leaving Ohio State for the Houston Texans.

[Warren]

Goal line TE coach for JJ

[WMH]

Looks like Vrabel will be joining the staff in some capacity. Perhaps LB coach.

Bill Greene (@BillBankGreene)
1/9/14, 4:39 PM
I can confirm that Mike Vrabel is leaving Ohio State for the Houston Texans.

I find it interesting that he's filling out the staff without an OC/DC.

[chuck]

I find it interesting that he's filling out the staff without an OC/DC.

I now have a mental image of a bunch of obsessive/compulsive musicians playing heavy Australian guitar rock. They sound fine but the guitar player's pick guard gleams like you would not believe. And the drums are arranged just so.

[Keith]

Update on Crennel:
Crennel is committed to coach the East-West Shrine college all-star game Jan. 18, but when that task is complete, he plans to accept an offer to become O'Brien's defensive coordinator with the Houston Texans, according to league sources.
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10278147/romeo-crennel-houston-texans-defensive-coordinator

[WMH]

@AdamSchefter: Now official: former Chiefs HC Romeo Crennel signed a three-year deal to become defensive coordinator of the Houston Texans.

[popanot]

Not excited about this hire at all. I thought Horton was a better option.

[nunusguy]

How is Crennel better that Wade ? Actually what's wrong with Wade ? How many DCs wouldn't have struggled mightily with the teams defensive performance this past year given the messes the Texans offense put their defense in time and time again ?

[WMH]

How is Crennel better that Wade ? Actually what's wrong with Wade ? How many DCs wouldn't have struggled mightily with the teams defensive performance this past year given the messes the Texans offense put their defense in time and time again ?

TBD. Not necessarily better, but different. When you go 2-14, things get blown up. It happens.

BOB was going to bring "his" guys in come hell or high water. If you're a first timer you're going to surround yourself with what you know.

[painekiller]

BOB was going to bring "his" guys in come hell or high water. If you're a first timer you're going to surround yourself with what you know.

They have never worked together before, and from my understanding they had not even met in person until this week.

I ma not a fan of this hire, I would like to know RC plan for JJ Watt, RC 3-4 scheme has had the DEs read and react. That is not

[WMH]

They have never worked together before, and from my understanding they had not even met in person until this week.

Didn't say "who" you know, I said "what" you know. RC was a successful DC with Belicheat. BOB knows that, and I would assume had a conversation with him prior to going after him. Maybe it works, maybe it doesn't. Having Wade helped produce 2-14, so that didn't work either. Despite the local sentiment for the Phillips family, he was never going to be an option. Not to mention, Wade didn't get a sniff elsewhere. That speaks volumes in my eyes.

Regarding a plan for JJ, I'm of the opinion that will work itself out. Adaptability has been a coin phrase of BOB since he arrived. Playmakers make plays, regardless of system. JJ will be fine.

[HPF Bob]

Texans have also signed former Patriots LB Mike Vrabel to be the Linebackers Coach. Vrabel has worked with both Crennel and O'Brien.

[Warren]

O'Brien may also not have considered Wade to be a good fit from a philosophical standpoint. The Patriots have a reputation for being no-nonsense, riding their players hard and casting them aside when they've outlived their usefulness, putting a premium on smarts and versatility, etc. Wade, on the other hand, likes a looser atmosphere and strives to keep it simple for the players.

I do think Wade's age worked against him on the job market, especially since he had to miss time in 2012 for gall bladder surgery. There's definitely worse out there and it wouldn't surprise me at all to see him brought in again by some head coach on the hot seat who needs his defense turned around.

[nunusguy]

O'Brien may also not have considered Wade to be a good fit from a philosophical standpoint.
I certainly get it about coachs wanting to hire assistant coachs they know or have had a relationship with, or atleast come recommended by others they know or have worked with. And there's a certain amount of the old "to the victor belong the spoils" thing present here.
Now practically speaking I don't think RC will do any better with the defense this year than Wade would have done, except perhaps if there's better communications between BOB and his DC because of familiarity, which certainly is important. As far as coaching styles go, I think we are gonna find that Crennel is basically pretty easygoing, a laid-back type much like Wade, and not the intense type at all. But with 2-14, it's certainly understandable that a totally clean slate would be one result of such a season.

[barrett]

Vic Fangio and Dom Capers were both playoff DCs this year. It is more about talent and players fitting the scheme than anything else. Wade did a great job here overall. When we were healthy and talented he looked great. When we were hurt and lacked talent he looked bad. I would bet the same is true of most guys.

Crenell may be a read and react guy, but he is also from the Patriots tree, and nobody is more multiple and flexible in their defensive fronts than the Patriots. My guess is there are 32 DCs in the NFL smart enough to turn loose JJ Watt, and none stupid enough to ask him to watch 2 gaps and eat blocks. Hopefully I am not proven wrong on that.

I am far more interested/concerned with what Romeo does to give us an edge rush. I have had enough of Brooks Reed running into the tackle 60 snaps every Sunday to set up the two snaps where he uses the league's worst spin move.

[nunusguy]

Vic Fangio and Dom Capers were both playoff DCs this year. It is more about talent and players fitting the scheme than anything else. Wade did a great job here overall. When we were healthy and talented he looked great. When we were hurt and lacked talent he looked bad. I would bet the same is true of most guys.

Crenell may be a read and react guy, but he is also from the Patriots tree, and nobody is more multiple and flexible in their defensive fronts than the Patriots. My guess is there are 32 DCs in the NFL smart enough to turn loose JJ Watt, and none stupid enough to ask him to watch 2 gaps and eat blocks. Hopefully I am not proven wrong on that.

I am far more interested/concerned with what Romeo does to give us an edge rush. I have had enough of Brooks Reed running into the tackle 60 snaps every Sunday to set up the two snaps where he uses the league's worst spin move.
I would expect Vrable to be very helpful in that area.

[Warren]

Pepper Johnson has left the Patriots (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/22/belichick-respects-pepper-johnson-who-could-join-texans/) and the speculation is that he may be joining the Texans as ILB coach. If true, the team may have more quality LB depth on its coaching staff than on its roster.

[painekiller]

that would be a good hire.

[nunusguy]

Pepper Johnson has left the Patriots (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/22/belichick-respects-pepper-johnson-who-could-join-texans/) and the speculation is that he may be joining the Texans as ILB coach. If true, the team may have more quality LB depth on its coaching staff than on its roster.
We've already got Vrable which seems like a great hire to me, so why do we need multiple LB coachs ? Too many chiefs maybe ?

[Warren]

Some 3-4 teams have an OLB coach and an ILB coach.

[Warren]

Looks like Doug Colman (http://shorenewstoday.com/snt/news/index.php/region-sports/cape-may-county-sports/48707-doug-colman-to-coach-in-nfl.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+UpperTwp+%28Upper+Twp.%29) is the new assistant special teams coach, to work under Ligashesky, who has been retained (or is at least still listed on the official website).

[HPF Bob]

The Chron also reports that O'Brien has hired away the Patriot's QB Coach and that O'Brien is going to be his own Offensive Coordinator (possible egotist alert).

Who is Belichick going to have left after we've finished raiding his coaching staff? McDiapers and who else?

[Warren]

Pepper Johnson joined the Bills as DL coach.

Maybe we'll get an official announcement about the staff by the time training camp opens....

[Warren]

Here's (http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-2/Texans-announce-coaching-staff/1c7f73f7-09f3-4c68-aee4-f854e4cc6749) the official announcement.

It will be interesting to see how the defensive staff comes together, as the only two with NFL coaching experience are Crennel and Kollar and none of the assistants has coached for Crennel before (although Vrabel did play for him).