Feb. 3, 2026, 8:25 a.m. CT
There’s a new coach joining the Houston Texans for the 2026 season.
According to reports, the Texans plan to hire former offensive lineman and current New York Giants assistant offensive line coach James Ferentz to the offensive staff. Most believe he will come take over for Jake Moreland as the new tight ends coach, but following the departure of assistant offensive line coach Zach Yenser, Ferentz could be the replacement to work in the trenches.
Ferentz, the son of Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz, has ties with several front office members and coaching staff from his time in New England. Texans offensive coordinator Nick Caley and offensive line coach Cole Popovich worked alongside him during his tenure in Foxborough starting in 2017.
He also began his playing career on the Texans’ practice squad back.
Last season under New York Giants coach Brian Daboll, Fetentz’s work on the offensive line served as one of the more promising pieces of the trenches. According to Pro Football Focus, the Gaints finished top five in pass-blocking and ranked top 10 overall in fewest pressures allowed.
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Houston owns the No. 28 pick in the NFL draft come April