HOUSTON – Texans assistant offensive line coach Cole Popovich interviewed for the Washington Commanders’ offensive line coaching vacancy, meeting with new coach Dan Quinn, according to league sources.
Popovich drew praise from the Texans’ offensive linemen this season for his work with offensive line coach Chris Strausser as the Texans improved to 12th in total offense under offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik after ranking 31st a year ago. The running game significantly improved and C.J. Stroud is the favorite to be named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
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Texans left tackle Laremy Tunsil was named to the Pro Bowl for the fourth time and the Texans overcame multiple injuries and line configuration changes while winning the AFC South division title and winning a wild-card playoff game over the Cleveland Browns.
Popovich was previously an offensive line coach at Troy University and is a former New England Patriots co-offensive line coach.
“Great coach, great man,” a league source said of Popovich when he was hired by the Texans.
Popovich was hired by Troy two years ago.
Popovich, 38, is a former Patriots assistant running backs coach and coaching assistant who has also coached at the college level.
During Popovich’s season assisting with the running backs, Sony Michel rushed for 912 yards as the Patriots finished with a 12-4 record and won the AFC East. He helped coach the Patriots to a top-10 offense in four of his first five NFL seasons.
He coached at Minot State as an offensive line coach and co-offensive coordinator and at Utah State, Fresno City College and Los Angeles Valley College.
He earned two Super Bowl rings with the Patriots.
He was a four-year starting offensive guard at Fresno State and a former freshman All-American.
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com