The Houston Texans are wasting no time building out their coaching staff this offseason, and their first addition brings both pedigree and playoff experience to the offensive side of the ball.
The team has hired James Ferentz-most recently an assistant offensive line coach with the New York Giants-to a role on their offensive staff. While his exact title hasn't been confirmed, Ferentz is expected to work with Houston’s tight ends, a position group now in transition following the departure of tight ends coach Jake Moreland earlier this week.
Ferentz may not be a household name, but his football résumé runs deep. As a former center in the NFL, he spent time snapping the ball to two of the greatest quarterbacks the league has ever seen-Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.
That alone is enough to turn heads, but Ferentz also brings championship experience to the table. He earned a Super Bowl ring with the Denver Broncos a decade ago and added another three years later with the New England Patriots during the final title run of the Brady-Belichick era.
For a Texans franchise that has historically struggled against both Manning and Brady-posting a combined 5-24 record against the two icons-bringing in someone who’s shared a locker room with both feels like a smart move. If you can’t beat ‘em, bring in someone who’s been in the trenches with ‘em.
Ferentz’s coaching roots run just as deep as his playing career. He’s the son of longtime Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz, and he played under his father during a standout collegiate career that saw him earn Second-Team All-Big Ten honors in his final season. Coaching is in the family DNA-his brother is also in the profession-and even during his playing days, James Ferentz was already laying the groundwork for a future on the sidelines.
His familiarity with several key figures in Houston’s current structure should help ease the transition. During his time in New England, Ferentz overlapped with Texans general manager Nick Caserio, who was then the Patriots’ director of player personnel. He also worked alongside current Texans offensive coordinator Nick Caley, offensive line coach Cole Popovich, and senior offensive assistant Jerry Schuplinski-all of whom have New England ties.
In a league where continuity and familiarity can be just as important as innovation, Ferentz brings a mix of both. He’s walked the walk as a player and now steps into a coaching role with a clear understanding of what it takes to win at the highest level. For a young Texans team on the rise, that kind of experience could prove invaluable.