DeMeco Ryans returns for his fourth season as head coach of the Houston Texans, looking to build on their impressive 12-5 2025 campaign. Nick Caley returns as offensive coordinator. C.J. Stroud returns at quarterback, while David Montgomery becomes the primary running back ahead of Woody Marks. The Texans return three of their top five receivers from last year: Nico Collins, Jaylin Noel, and tight end Dalton Schultz. The Texans welcome in Kayshon Boutte, who comes over from New England. The Texans heavily upgraded the offensive line in the offseason, with Aireontae Ersery, Ed Ingram, Trent Brown, Blake Fisher, Evan Brown from Arizona, and Wyatt Teller from the Browns returning or joining the unit. Braden Smith, who came over from the Colts, was placed on injured reserve before the season began.

Matt Burke returns for his fourth season as defensive coordinator. The Texans return nine of their top eleven tacklers from last year. Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter, Sheldon Rankins, and Tommy Togiai return on the defensive line. Jadeveon Clowney adds depth to the unit, coming over from Dallas. Henry To’oto’o and Azeez Al-Shaair return at linebacker. To’oto’o was placed on injured reserve after Week 1. E.J. Speed remains on the PUP list. In the secondary, Derek Stingley, Kamari Lassiter, Jalen Pitre, and Calen Bullock are back, along with Reed Blankenship, who comes over from Philadelphia.

Frank Ross is back for his sixth season as special teams coordinator. Ka’imi Fairbairn returns as field goal kicker after hitting 92% of his attempts last year. Kai Kroeger comes over from New Orleans to take over as punter. Jaylin Noel and Tremon Smith will share the return duties this season. The Texans finished last year’s regular season on a red-hot nine-game winning streak, but Houston has opened 2026 at 0-4. The Texans have plenty of time to turn things around as they look to compete for the AFC South crown behind a well-coached organization.