Romeo Crennel influencing Texans in new role

The Houston Texans are thankful for Romeo Crennel. Now the associate head coach after a three-year run as the team's defensive coordinator, the veteran leader is a fountain of knowledge. “Romeo’s been around this game so long, been around the NFL, a long, long time," head coach Bill O'Brien said Friday. "Worked for Hall of Fame head coaches in Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick. He was a head coach himself. He brings a wealth of knowledge."Crennel, who skippered a 2016 defense that led the NFL in fewest yards allowed per game, was elevated to his new position just after the season ended. Mike Vrabel is now the defensive coordinator, and O'Brien said the transition has been a "seamless" one. Having RAC here still is a big help, but Mike’s doing a good job," O'Brien said. "Like I said in the offseason, he’s ready for this. He brings a great energy and passion and leadership to the field, knowledge of our scheme, players have a lot of respect for him. So, it’s going well.” O'Brien, Crennel and the Texans will practice again on Saturday at The Greenbrier in West Virginia. They'll have a day off on Sunday.