Houston Texans: 3 Head coach selections that make sense
Houston Texans Potential Head Coach Selection: Matt Eberflus
Matt Eberflus is also another possible high-ranking candidate for the Houston Texans in their search for their next head coach. Things began a little rocky as earlier this month it was reported that Eberflus didn’t want to be interviewed for the Houston Texans head coach position.
Since that time, three new head coaches have been hired by the Jaguars, Jets and Falcons, so the pool of teams has shrank some, and now the Houston Texans have interviewed Eberflus with Nick Caserio as the general manager.
My, how things have changed, but that is all in the past, and the Houston Texans need to keep looking forward as they attempt to fix their franchise that finished 4-12 this past season.
If anyone can fix the defense of the Houston Texans, Matt Eberflus should get that opportunity. As defensive coordinator with the Indianapolis Colts for the past three seasons, the Colts have played very well with that unit and have made the playoffs, in part due to the improvements made by Eberflus as the DC.
The #Texans interviewed #Colts DC Matt Eberflus for their head coaching job today, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 17, 2021
Eberflus initially declined an interview, but Houston made another push in recent days. A respected candidate who also remains in the #Chargers mix.
Eberflus is 50 years old and has over 25 years experience of being a coach, but just as important is the fact not only is Deshaun Watson a fan of the Colts defensive coordinator, but the Texans are in desperate need of repair for their defense because this past season was one of the very worst units in the league.
The Texans were ranked 24th overall in passing yards allowed this past season (4,104) and were 29th in passing yards allowed per attempt (8.0). Houston was last in the league in completion percentage allowed against them (69.7 percent), and they gave up 30 touchdown passes as well, ranking them 23rd in the NFL.
Houston was also last in interceptions this past season with just three. As poor as the passing numbers allowed were, the rushing stats allowed were even worse. The Houston Texans were last in total rushing yards allowed (2,564) and last in yards per carry allowed (5.2).
A stat that really hurts to see is Houston was last on defense in 40-plus rushing yard plays allowed with seven, and that in comparison with Eberflus and his Colts defense, which allowed zero 40-plus yard rushing plays all regular season.
The Houston Texans can’t overlook Eberflus, and yes, the Texans do need improvement on offense as well, but the defensive effort of last season can’t happen again, or it won’t matter who the head coach is. Houston does need to focus on the defense moving forward, and Eberflus could be the coach to fix those glaring issues.