The Houston Texans have a new defensive coordinator
The Houston Texans have moved quickly to find their defensive coordinator. The Texans requested to interview several candidates early this week. They have their man locked down on Friday, per multiple reports.
According to Ian Rapoport with the NFL Network, the Texans are expected to hire Matt Burke as their next defensive coordinator. He was a defensive coordinator for the Dolphins for the 2017-18 seasons.
Sources: The #Texans are expected to hire #AZCardinals DL coach Matt Burke as their new defensive coordinator on DeMeco Ryans’ staff. The former #Dolphins DC, Burke is the first big hire for Ryans in Houston. pic.twitter.com/tMBZvIInmm
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 10, 2023
According to Mike Garafolo with the NFL Network, it’s unclear if new head coach DeMeco Ryans or Burke will call plays for the defense next season.
DeMeco Ryans and Matt Burke haven’t made any final decisions on who will call the defensive plays for the #Texans, but don’t be surprised if it winds up being Burke. At the very least, he’ll have significant input. https://t.co/XpuSWAIdes
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 10, 2023
Burke coached JJ Watt in 2022
This is an exciting hire for a few reasons. One, he does have experience as a defensive coordinator. Two, Burke has connections to former Texans star JJ Watt. Watt played defensive end for the Cardinals last season. Burke was his position coach, as he coached the Cardinals’ defensive line.
Watt was rumored by fans and analysts to be a possible assistant for Ryans’ new staff. Those speculations will continue to rise Friday after the Houston Texans announce Burke as their defensive coordinator.
Burke, who is 46 years old, has coached in the league since joining the Tennessee Titans in 2004.
