Coaching Carousel
The NFL playoffs are in full swing with the conference championship right around the corner. With the unexpected retirement of Sean Payton, the Texans are one of seven teams trying to grab the right leader. Provided is a list and brief background of individuals who have been targeted and interviewed by the Houston Texans so far.
All information provided was given to the Houston Texans via each candidate’s most recent employer.
Brian Flores—HC Miami Dolphins
Credit to the Miami Dolphins (@miamidolphins) on Instagram
The cream of the crop this offseason. Despite an early seven game losing streak, Flores’ team bounced back with an identical seven game winning crusade, closing out at 9-8.
It was the first time the Miami Dolphins have had back-to-back winning seasons since 2003. Yet, it was not enough for Flores to keep his job.
Other than by owner Stephen Ross, and perhaps Tua Tagovailoa, Flores is almost unanimously wanted across the league.
Before his three seasons as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, Flores was with the New England Patriots for 15 years—starting as a scouting assistant and moving through positions on offense, special teams, and eventually settling as defensive coordinator (DC) from 2011 - 2018.
The Texans completed their interview process with Flores on Jan. 14.
Joe Lombardi—OC Los Angeles Chargers
Credit to Chris Unger at Gettyimages
After finishing his first season as the offensive coordinator (OC) for the Los Angeles Chargers, the 16-year NFL coaching veteran completed the interview process with the Houston Texans on Jan.15, alongside former Pittsburgh Steeler wide receiver Hines Ward.
Before his stint with the Chargers, Lombardi spent the majority of his time in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints, as the quarterbacks coach and an offensive assistant, during two separate stretches, once in 2007 - 2013 and then returning during 2016 - 2020.
During his hiatus from the Saints, Lombardi also served as the OC for the Detroit Lions with Matthew Stafford and Hall of Fame wide receiver Calvin Johnson—of Detroit’s 11 wins in their 2014 season, five of them were comeback wins in the 4th quarter or overtime by Matthew Stafford.
Lombardi broke into the NFL as a defensive assistant for the Atlanta Falcons in 2006.
Jonathan Gannon—DC Philadelphia Eagles
Credit to the Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) on Twitter
A long-time defensive backs (DB) coach, Jonathan Gannon finished his first year as a DC for the Philadelphia Eagles after joining them prior to the 2021 season.
Prior to that, Gannon was the defensive backs/cornerbacks (CB) coach from 2018. During that stretch, the Colts ranked 6th in interceptions (45), 9th in scoring defense (22.5 ppg), and 10th in total defense (339.5 ypg) and red zone defense (55.9 pct).
Before his time as a DB coach for Indianapolis, Gannon worked under Mike Zimmer and the Vikings as an assistant DB coach and in quality control from 2014 - 2017.
In 2012 - 2014 Gannon also worked for the Tennessee Titans as a defensive assistant and in quality control, he also played the same role for the Atlanta Falcons in 2007.
Outside of coaching, Gannon also worked in several different scouting roles for the then St. Louis Rams between 2009 - 2011.
Gannon transitioned into coaching after a hip injury ended his career as a DB for the University of Louisville.
Gannon finished interviewing with the Houston Texans on Jan. 18.
Hines Ward—HC Special Asst. Florida Atlantic University
Credit to Hines Ward @mbp86hinesward on Instagram
The current special assistant to the head coach of Florida Atlantic University, Hines Ward interviewed with the Houston Texans on Jan 15.
The former Pittsburgh Steeler entered into the coaching arena after initially joining the New York Jets during training camp in 2019 as part of the NFL Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship Program and was hired by the Jets prior to the 2019 season.
Initially working as an offensive assistant, Ward was promoted to the position of wide receiver coach for the 2020 season. He was hired by Florida Atlantic University in 2021.
Hines Ward is a four-time consecutive pro-bowler, two-time Superbowl champion (XL/XLIII), Superbowl MVP (XL), and is the Pittsburgh Steelers’ all-time record holder for receptions (1,000) and receiving yards (12,083).