The Houston Texans have confirmed that Romeo Crennel will be their new defensive coordinator.
Crennel will replace Wade Phillips in the role after he was sacked at the end of the season having seen his side lose 14 games in a row.
The 66-year-old has signed a three-year contract with the side, joining linebackers assistant Mike Vrabel in a new-look coaching lineup under Bill O'Brien.
Crennel has previously had spells as defensive coordinator with the Cleveland Browns, the New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs, going on to take over as head coach of the Browns and the Chiefs.
O'Brien also worked as an assistant for the Patriots and, while the duo's times at the team did not overlap, the shared history is thought to have played a part in Crennel's appointment.
The Texans finished last season with the worst record in the NFL and will have first choice in the 2014 Draft as a result.
Barney Corkhill
