A former Packers safety is a Defensive Coordinator candidate
A former Packers safety could be a defensive coordinator for the Houston Texans next season. The Texans fired Lovie Smith after finishing with the second-worst record this season. They hired DeMeco Ryans last week as their new head coach–much to former Badger JJ Watt’s delight.
According to Aaron Wilson with KPRC, the Texans have asked permission to interview two coaches for the open defensive coordinator position. One is Washington Commanders’ defensive backs coach, Chris Harris. The second is former Packers safety, Marquand Manuel.
Sources: Texans request permission to interview Commanders’ Chris Harris, Jets’ Marquand Manuel for defensive coordinator job @KPRC2https://t.co/5Amrr0SDLV@KPRC2 https://t.co/K8GWNFcYF9
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 7, 2023
Manuel played for the Packers in 2006 after he signed a five-year deal. He started all 16 games for the Packers that season and had one interception that he took back for a touchdown. Manuel had 81 combined tackles in 2006.
Manuel was let go after the 2006 season with four years to go on his contract. His final season playing football was in 2009. Manuel has been a coach in the NFL since 2012. We’ll see if he can make the leap from assistant coach to being the Texans’ defensive coordinator next season.