DONE DEAL: Texans Legend Duane Brown Named 2025 Offensive Line Coordinator, Tasked with Rebuilding Post-Tunsil Era and Revitalizing Houston’s Run Game

Houston, TX – In a move that’s already stirring excitement among fans and players alike, the Houston Texans have officially named franchise legend Duane Brown as their new Offensive Line Coordinator for the 2025 NFL season.

The appointment marks a highly anticipated homecoming for the five-time Pro Bowl tackle, who spent nearly a decade anchoring Houston’s offensive line and earned a reputation as one of the most technically sound and respected linemen in team history.

Rebuilding After Tunsil: A New Era Begins

Brown steps into a critical role at a pivotal time for the franchise. With star left tackle Laremy Tunsil departing in free agency this offseason, the Texans find themselves in a transitional phase up front. Despite an impressive 2024 campaign that saw the team reach the Divisional Round of the playoffs, inconsistencies in pass protection and a stagnant run game were glaring issues down the stretch.

Head coach DeMeco Ryans believes Brown is the right man to address both.

“Duane knows what it means to dominate in the trenches,” Ryans said at Monday’s press conference. “He’s lived it. He’s led locker rooms. And now he’s ready to lead this unit back to being one of the most feared in the league.”

A Hall of Fame-Caliber Career, Now on the Sidelines

Brown was drafted by the Texans in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft and quickly established himself as one of the most reliable blindside protectors in football. Across his career, which included later stints with the Seahawks and Jets, Brown played in over 200 games, earning All-Pro recognition and cementing his status as one of the game’s elite offensive linemen.

Known for his intelligence, footwork, and leadership, Brown was often described by teammates as a “coach on the field.” Now, at 39, he’s taking that mindset to the coaching staff.

“This city made me,” Brown said in an emotional statement. “I bled for this team, and now I get to build it back up. I want our offensive line to be the heart of the Texans again.”

Priorities: Physicality, Identity, and the Run Game

One of Brown’s top objectives will be reinvigorating a Texans run game that ranked just 24th in rushing yards per game last season. Though rookie sensation C.J. Stroud dazzled in the passing game, the team often struggled to establish balance on offense — especially in short-yardage situations.

“Duane is obsessed with fundamentals,” said offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. “His vision is clear: get downhill, play nasty, and wear teams down. We want to be physical and versatile again, and he’s going to demand that from our guys.”

Brown’s presence will also be instrumental in the development of several young linemen, including 2025 first-round pick Aireontae Ersery, who was drafted to potentially take over at left tackle. Brown will work closely with Ersery and second-year right guard Jarrett Patterson to help anchor a line still searching for chemistry.

Locker Room Buzz and Player Reactions

Reactions from within the team have been overwhelmingly positive. Several current linemen expressed enthusiasm about learning from a former player who “gets it.”

“It’s different when the guy coaching you actually played at the highest level,” said veteran center Michael Deiter. “Duane isn’t just another voice – he’s someone who’s been where we want to go.”

Running back Dameon Pierce, expected to bounce back this year after an injury-plagued 2024, was equally enthusiastic:

“I’m ready to run behind whatever Duane builds.”

A Familiar Face in a New Role

While Brown has no prior NFL coaching experience, he spent much of last year as a guest analyst and unofficial mentor around the Texans’ practice facility. According to multiple reports, his transition into a coaching role was in the works for months.

The Texans organization, known for investing in homegrown leadership, views Brown’s hire as more than a nostalgic gesture — it’s a calculated bet that his leadership and knowledge will translate into wins.

Playoff Aspirations

After a breakout season led by Stroud and head coach DeMeco Ryans, expectations are high heading into 2025. The team’s deep playoff ambitions hinge not only on explosive offense and a young, tenacious defense, but on the ability to protect the quarterback and grind out tough yards when it matters most.

Duane Brown knows that better than anyone.

“This is about pride,” Brown said. “Pride in our quarterback, pride in our jersey, and pride in dominating up front. I’m here to make sure we own the line of scrimmage.”

Texans fans, get ready. A legend has returned — and he’s not here to reminisce. He’s here to build.