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Texans keep defensive staff intact via promotions for Romeo Crennel, Mike Vrabel

HOUSTON -- The Houston Texans knew linebackers coach Mike Vrabel might not last much longer as a position coach.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed Tuesday that the Texans are promoting Vrabel to defensive coordinator and that Romeo Crennel, the Texans' defensive coordinator for the past three seasons, will stay with the team as assistant head coach.

Last January, the 41-year-old Vrabel turned down an offer from the then-San Francisco 49ers coach Chip Kelly to be his defensive coordinator, and during the Texans' playoff run, Vrabel's name came up for coaching vacancies including an opening as the Los Angeles Rams' head coach.