Vrabel to remain on Texans’ staff
Linebackers coach Mike Vrabel turned down an opportunity to become San Francisco’s defensive coordinator to return to the Texans.
Vrabel has coached the linebackers under Bill O’Brien and defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel the last two seasons.
O’Brien and general manager Rick Smith worked hard behind the scenes to keep Vrabel.
O’Brien gave Vrabel permission to talk with the 49ers, and Vrabel interviewed with new San Francisco coach Chip Kelly on Tuesday before returning to Houston and turning the offer down. The Texans are giving Vrabel a new contract, according to persons familiar with the situation.
Vrabel left Ohio State, his alma mater, to be reunited with Crennel, who coached him at New England. Vrabel likely would be a candidate to replace Crennel when he retires.
Also, the Texans hired Anthony Weaver to coach their defensive line. Weaver played defensive end for the Texans for three seasons (2006-08) under coach Gary Kubiak.
Weaver replaces Paul Pasqualoni, who resigned after one season to return to the East Coast.
Weaver played at Notre Dame and was Baltimore’s second-round pick in 2002. After playing four seasons with the Ravens, he signed with the Texans.
Weaver began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Florida and then coached linebackers at North Texas in 2011.
Weaver made the jump to the NFL in 2012, when he was the assistant defensive line coach with the New York Jets. He coached Cleveland’s defensive line the last two years.
Stewart, Allen back on field
Carolina running back Jonathan Stewart returned to practice along with defensive end Jared Allen, who was diagnosed earlier this week with a broken bone in his foot.
Coach Ron Rivera said both players participated on a limited basis.
Rivera said earlier that Allen was “doubtful” for Sunday’s NFC title game against Arizona but said he might be elevated to questionable depending on how he feels Friday.
Chiefs promote Childress, Nagy
Kansas City promoted Brad Childress and Matt Nagy to co-offensive coordinators, where they will replace new Philadelphia coach Doug Pederson.
Childress had been the spread game analyst and special projects coach the past three years, while Nagy was in charge of quarterbacks. Childress also spent five seasons as head coach at Minnesota.
Childress spent seven seasons with Chiefs coach Andy Reid at Philadelphia, coaching quarterbacks for three years and the final four as offensive coordinator. Nagy was an offensive quality control assistant with the Eagles and followed Reid to Kansas City before the 2013 season.