Texans complete coaching staff; Lovie Smith to call defensive plays

The revamped Texans coaching staff is complete. The organization announced their coaches for the 2022 season, and we’ve compiled some of the previously unreported hirings/promotions/etc. below:

• Jacques Cesaire, defensive line coach
• Robbie Picazo, offensive assistant
• Ben Bolling, defensive assistant
• Ilir Emini, defensive assistant/nickels

Cesaire is the most notable name on the list. Following a 10-year playing career with the Chargers, the defensive end transitioned to coaching, getting his first gig with the University of San Diego. He joined the NFL coaching ranks in 2020 when he was hired as the Bills assistant defensive line coach, a role he held for the past two seasons. Now, he’ll have a chance to prove himself with the full-time gig in Houston.

As expected, the Texans announcement didn’t include a defensive coordinator. After serving as the Texans DC in 2021, new head coach Lovie Smith is expected to retain defensive play-calling duties in 2022. Pep Hamilton was promoted to offensive coordinator while Frank Ross will continue running special teams.