Much like how stakeholders and global leaders need to be conscious of what world they are leaving behind for Keith Richards, the McNair family needs to think about what coaching staff they are assembling around Frank Ross.
The special teams coordinator is now on his third different coaching staff since the Houston Texans hired him in 2021 to be part of the David Culley era. When the club transitioned to Lovie Smith in 2022, Ross stayed, and he managed to catch on with rookie coach DeMeco Ryans’ regime.
The former Indianapolis Colts assistant special teams coach revealed how he has managed to be the one constant despite the staff upheaval over the past three years.
“Any time there’s going to be a turnover of staff, turnover of players, the first thing is a little bit of a get to know,” said Ross. “I would imagine a new head football coach is going to come in and say, ‘Hey I want to get to put the best staff together.’ I just try to put my foot forward and say, ‘This is how I see things and how I operate. Hopefully that’s a good fit for you, coach.’”
Ross’ presentation on special teams was good enough to convince Ryans. Naturally the unit’s work in 2022 made good arguments as kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn had the third-highest field goal percentage in the NFL at 93.5%, didn’t miss one of his 24 extra points, and punter Cam Johnston was 12th in the league with a 48.1 yards per punt.
The 37-year-old from John Carroll University and former New England Patriots scout isn’t going to rest on his laurels.
Said Ross: “I think as far as any body that’s going to be retained at any role, doesn’t matter who it is, what boss you’re working for, your job is to prove yourself every day. Try and live that way, try and be that way. As we go and grow together, Coach Ryans, myself, any other new coaches down the list, what can we do to prove ourselves today, every day we walk in the building?”
Although the new league year kicks off March 15 and the team’s offseason workouts begin April 3, the process to build the 2023 Texans has already begun in Ross’ eyes.
“Free agency, draft, starting the new playbook, whatever that might be,” said Ross. “We’re here to work and get ourselves to be the best football team we can be when the season rolls around.”
