The Houston Texans have decided to hire Romeo Crennel a week after the former Kansas City Chiefs and Cleveland Browns head man met with new coach Bill O'Brien.
Crennel will replace Wade Phillips as Texans defensive coordinator next week, John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reports.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport recently reported that Crennel was still "looking at possibilities" and would have a better idea on his future after coaching in Saturday's East-West Shrine game.
Although Crennel and O'Brien are both members of the Bill Belichick coaching tree, they never spent time on the same staff in New England.
More Texans notes from McClain on Friday:
» The Texans have yet to hire an offensive coordinator, but O'Brien has already confirmed to McClain that he will call the plays in Houston. He gained respect in NFL circles for his play-calling in New England between the two Josh McDaniels stints running the offense.
» O'Brien won't show his hand with the 2014 NFL Draft more than four months away, but McClain is convinced the Texanswill target a quarterback with the No. 1 overall selection. South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney won't be lining up opposite Watt in a dream pass-rushing tandem.
» O'Brien's task in mentoring a new quarterback will be easier thanks to his five seasons with the Patriots. He credits Tom Brady with teaching him a lot about the position and helping to get where he is today.
We previewed Championship Sunday and sat down with Rams star Robert Quinn in the latest "Around The League Podcast."
