In place of Jacques Cesaire, the Texans hired a new coach and elevated another to defensive line coach.

The Houston Texans have undergone significant changes in their coaching staff, with the promotion of Rod Wright to the position of defensive line coach and the addition of Nate Ollie as the new assistant defensive line coach. This move follows the departure of former defensive line coach Jacques Cesaire, who did not have his contract renewed and subsequently joined the Cleveland Browns as their defensive line coach.

Rod Wright, a Houston native, has been elevated from his previous role as the assistant defensive line coach to the head position. A former University of Miami defensive ends coach, Wright is well-acquainted with the Texans’ organization. As a former All-Big 12 and All-American selection at the University of Texas, he brings a wealth of playing experience, having been a seventh-round draft pick for the Miami Dolphins. Wright, who grew up in Houston, was also recognized as Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year during his college career.

Having an extensive coaching background, Wright has served at various institutions, including East Carolina, Sam Houston State, and UTSA, where he held the roles of co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach. He has also been part of the coaching staff for NFL teams through Bill Walsh Diversity coaching fellowships with the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers. Furthermore, his coaching journey includes stints as a student assistant and defensive special assistant at the University of Texas.

Nate Ollie, the newly appointed assistant defensive line coach, arrives with experience from his previous role as the defensive line coach for the Indianapolis Colts. Notably, the Colts achieved a franchise-record 51 sacks during Ollie’s tenure, showcasing his ability to develop a formidable defensive line featuring players like DeForest Buckner, Samson Ebukam, and Kwity Paye. Ollie, a former Ball State defensive lineman, has also worked with the New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles in the past.

These coaching changes come on the heels of the Texans’ successful season, where they set a franchise record with 46 sacks and secured the AFC South championship, along with a wild-card playoff victory. The departure of Jacques Cesaire, who coached standout defensive end Jonathan Greenard to a career-high 12 1/2 sacks, marks a transition for the team. The Texans look to build on their recent success under the guidance of the revamped coaching staff. Additionally, the team has hired Bill Davis as the new linebackers coach, filling the void left by Chris Kiffin, who is no longer with the coaching staff.