A candidate for a few offensive coordinator positions, Pep Hamilton will instead join David Culley‘s first staff in Houston. The Texans are hiring the former Colts OC as their quarterbacks coach, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com tweets.
Hamilton spent the 2020 season as the Chargers’ QBs coach but received interest from three AFC teams for their respective OC posts. The Dolphins, Steelers and Titans interviewed Hamilton for those jobs. While two remain unfilled — Miami’s and Tennessee’s — Hamilton is expected to head to Houston.
The Texans are moving swiftly in filling out Culley’s first staff. They are eyeing ex-Bears and Buccaneers HC Lovie Smith for a defensive role and have current reserve quarterback Josh McCown in mind for an offensive position. McCown interviewed for Houston’s HC job but may well begin his coaching career as a Texans assistant.
Hamilton, 46, was Indianapolis’ OC from 2013-15. The Colts made the playoffs twice in that span, with the latter season featuring Andrew Luck leading the NFL with 40 touchdown passes. This past season, Hamilton mentored Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite Justin Herbert. The other two high-ranking Bolts staffers behind Herbert’s rise, Anthony Lynn and Shane Steichen, respectively landed OC gigs with Detroit and Philadelphia. Hamilton appears set to land on his feet as well.
The Dolphins have seen each of the external candidates for their OC post commit elsewhere. Clemson OC Tony Elliott will not leave the ACC program, Mike McDaniel received a promotion to become the 49ers’ OC, and the Steelers promoted Matt Canada to their OC position.
What quarterback will be coaching? Darnold? Tua? Fields? Should be interesting.
I see what they are doing… little bit of over compensation.
Because they signed a good coach? Or, are you dog whistling, here?
Damn he did a great job last year but some how got a demotion only positive I can see is maybe the OC gets fired mid season and he becomes OC this coming year
I’m honestly surprised that Pep couldn’t get an OC job. I would have much preferred the Chargers make him the OC instead of Lombardi. He did a great job with Herbert this year.
Texans fans better get used to the idea that they are planning to blow this team up and start over.
Texans might actually go winless. Pep was a disaster in Indy (lifelong Colts fan here)…