The Houston Texans are wasting no time reshaping their coaching staff this offseason, making their first notable moves by parting ways with three assistants: tight ends coach Jake Moreland, assistant linebackers coach Ben Bolling, and offensive assistant Mike Snyder. Each of these coaches had multiple seasons under their belt in Houston, and all three now find themselves on the outside looking in after a 2025 campaign that fell short of expectations in key areas.
Let’s break down what these changes mean - and why some of them might raise eyebrows.
Jake Moreland: A Quietly Productive Run Comes to an End
Jake Moreland’s exit is perhaps the most surprising of the trio. He just wrapped up his third season as the Texans’ tight ends coach, and while his unit didn’t light up the stat sheet, there was real progress - especially from Dalton Schultz.
The veteran tight end turned in his most productive season in Houston, catching 82 passes on 106 targets (a strong 77.4% catch rate) for 777 yards and three touchdowns. He didn’t have a single 100-yard game, but make no mistake - Schultz was a steady, reliable option for C.J.
Stroud, especially in key divisional matchups against Jacksonville, Tennessee, and Indianapolis.
Behind Schultz, the drop-off was noticeable. Rookie Cade Stover had just 12 catches for 76 yards, but his blocking improved, and he found a role in short-yardage situations - particularly on the Texans’ version of the “tush push.” Still, it wasn’t enough to elevate the overall performance of the tight end group.
Moreland’s coaching résumé is extensive, with stops at Denver, the Jets, and nearly two decades in the college ranks. He also played tight end at Western Michigan and had a brief NFL career. While the Texans clearly felt it was time for a change, Moreland’s track record - and the development of Schultz - suggests he won’t be out of work for long.
Mike Snyder: A Tough Year for the Offense
Mike Snyder’s departure comes after just two seasons in Houston, and while his role was more behind-the-scenes as an offensive assistant, the Texans’ offensive struggles in 2025 likely made his position vulnerable. The team finished 13th in points, 18th in total yards, but a troubling 29th in red zone efficiency (just 45.9% conversion rate). For a team with playoff aspirations and a rising star at quarterback, that’s a red flag.
Snyder had previously worked with the wide receivers, and in 2024, that group showed serious promise. Nico Collins broke the 1,000-yard mark and earned a Pro Bowl nod, Tank Dell was electric before his injury, and Stefon Diggs - though limited by injury - brought veteran savvy to the room. But in 2025, the offense couldn’t find the same rhythm, and the late-season flameout in the Divisional Round against the Patriots likely sealed the fate of several assistants, Snyder included.
Before Houston, Snyder was part of the Falcons’ staff as an analyst and spent time with the Bears in multiple offensive roles. He’s a young coach with experience across several position groups, and while this stint didn’t end the way he hoped, his résumé still holds weight.
Ben Bolling: A Surprise Exit from a Rising Defense
Of the three firings, Ben Bolling’s might be the most puzzling. A member of the Texans’ defensive staff since 2021, Bolling had been part of the foundation of what’s become one of the league’s most respected defenses. Promoted to assistant linebackers coach in 2025, he helped guide a position group that was nothing short of elite.
Azeez Al-Shaair had a breakout year, starting all 16 games and leading the team with 103 tackles. He added two interceptions, a forced fumble, and earned his first Pro Bowl nod.
His running mate, Henry To’oTo’o, wasn’t far behind - 95 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks in 14 starts. Both players took major steps forward in pass coverage, which had been a weakness in previous seasons.
In fact, To’oTo’o’s coverage ability was a key reason Patriots QB Drake Maye struggled in the divisional round.
That kind of production usually secures jobs, not costs them. But the NFL is a results-driven league, and sometimes even strong individual performances aren’t enough to protect a coach when a team falls short of its postseason goals.
What This Means for the Texans
These moves signal that Houston isn’t content with simply being a playoff team - they’re aiming higher. The Texans are clearly looking to optimize every part of the operation around C.J.
Stroud and a defense that’s nearing elite status. That means tough decisions, even when those decisions involve coaches who’ve contributed to the team’s growth.
Whether these changes lead to a leap forward in 2026 remains to be seen. But one thing’s clear: the Texans are moving aggressively, and they’re not afraid to shake things up in pursuit of something bigger.