Houston Texans promote Mike Vrabel to defensive coordinator

Jan. 18 (UPI) -- Former All-Pro linebacker was in high demand this offseason for both head coaching and defensive coordinator openings.

That was enough for the Houston Texans to give its linebackers coach a promotion.

Vrabel, 41, was promoted to the team's defensive coordinator Wednesday, according to multiple sources. Defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel's contract is expiring, leaving the opening for Vrabel. Crennel is expected to come back as the assistant head coach to Bill O'Brien, according to MMQB's Albert Breer.

Vrabel turned down the San Francisco 49ers' defensive coordinator opening. He was set to talk to the Los Angeles Rams for its head coach opening, but never received an interview. Vrabel played 14 NFL seasons, before becoming the Ohio State Buckeyes' linebackers coach in 2011. He joined the Texans in 2014 as an assistant for Crennel.

The 2007 first-team All-Pro retired in 2011 after 57 sacks, 19 forced fumbles, and 11 interceptions in 206 games. He had 12.5 sacks in 2007 for the New England Patriots. Vrabel won three consecutive Super Bowls with the Patriots from 2001 to 2004.