Texans may have to hire a new defensive coordinator in 2021
The Houston Texans already know they have to hire a new coach. Now, they may be in the market for a new defensive coordinator.
According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, Anthony Weaver is under consideration to join Urban Meyer’s staff with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Weaver was a graduate assistant with the Florida Gators in 2010, Meyer’s final season with the SEC East program.
Weaver has known Meyer going back to Notre Dame when the coach was working with receivers for the Fighting Irish as Weaver was a player. The three-time national championship-winning coach reached out to Weaver when he was named the Texans’ defensive coordinator in 2020.
“When he found out I had gotten this role he said, ‘Weave, you’re out of the suggestion business and you’re into the decision business,'” Weaver told reporters on May 13. “Those words carried a lot of weight to me. So, that’s probably been the biggest transition, I just know that I have the final say and I’m always going to try to do what’s best for the team.”
One of Weaver’s best skills as a coach, whether it was coaching the defensive line for Houston since 2016 or as defensive coordinator, is his ability to relate to players, which is easy given he played in the NFL from 2002-08.
“The other thing I think I can relate to is I’ve been in those seats, so, I know those days when they’re beat up and they’re stressed out,” Weaver said. “I feel like I know when to push and I know when pull and I think that gives me an advantage over some coaches that probably haven’t played.”
Weaver’s defense finished 30th in the NFL in yards, 27th in points allowed, and 32nd in takeaways. No doubt Jacksonville will be scrutinizing Weaver to determine whether that output was due to his coaching or a talent issue.
