Reports: Vrabel to stay with Texans

HOUSTON – Multiple reports surfaced Thursday evening that Texans linebackers coach Mike Vrabel was turning down an offer from the San Francisco 49ers to become their defensive coordinator in order to remain in his current position with Houston.

Vrabel had interviewed for the 49ers job with their new head Chip Kelly within the last several days and was among two serious known candidates for the position, along with current San Francisco defensive coordinator Eric Mangini.

Vrabel joined the Texans as part of head coach Bill O'Brien's original coaching staff. The Texans job was his first NFL coaching job after spending his first three seasons on the Ohio State coaching staff. 

Texans linebacker Whitney Mercilus was among the most improved players in the NFL, posting a career high 12 sacks in 2015. Vrabel also helped rookie linebacker Benardrick McKinney became a solid starter over the second half of the season.