The Houston Texans may have a compelling candidate for head coaching positions in their midst. Defensive coordinator Matt Burke is reportedly “poised” to receive interview opportunities for head coaching vacancies across the NFL this offseason, following his leadership of Houston”s top-ranked defense this season.
According to reports, Burke is among a group of coordinators, including Jesse Minter of the Los Angeles Chargers and Anthony Campanile of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are likely to be considered for their first head coaching interviews. Additionally, Aden Durde from Seattle may be a candidate in this pool.
Burke has been part of the NFL coaching landscape since 2004, starting with the Tennessee Titans. He took on the role of defensive coordinator for the Texans in 2023, coinciding with the hiring of DeMeco Ryans as head coach. Throughout the current season, Burke has been instrumental as the primary playcaller for the Texans” defense, achieving impressive results. The Texans currently boast the NFL”s leading scoring defense and rank first in expected points added (EPA) per play allowed.
With several head coaching vacancies emerging, including those of the New York Giants and the Tennessee Titans, Burke”s name is gaining traction. The Giants recently fired Brian Daboll, while the Titans parted ways with Brian Callahan earlier this year. Both franchises, having previously opted for offensive-minded coaches, might now look to strengthen their rosters with a focus on defense, similar to what Burke has established in Houston.
The dynamics of the coaching market are expected to evolve in the upcoming weeks as more vacancies open up, creating further opportunities for Burke and others. His success with the Texans could make him one of the most sought-after coordinators in the league.
