HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Texans have found their answer on the sideline. After a strong second-half surge and a division title, the Texans announced Monday that Frank Ross has been named the team’s permanent head coach, agreeing to a four-year contract.
Ross took over midseason and immediately stabilized a team that had been drifting. Under his leadership, Houston rediscovered its physical identity, surged to a 13-4 record, and reestablished itself as a legitimate AFC contender behind a dominant run game and a more disciplined defense.
GM TH said the decision became obvious as the season wore on.
“Frank earned this,” TH said. “He brought clarity, accountability, and toughness back to this team. The players believed in him, the results followed, and frankly, we stopped looking like a team searching for answers. This wasn’t about momentum — it was about leadership.”
Ross emphasized balance during his interim run, most notably managing Derrick Henry’s workload to keep the veteran fresh late in games, while continuing the development of quarterback Drake Maye, who flourished down the stretch.
For Houston, the move signals stability after a turbulent year that included coaching changes and defensive overhauls. For Ross, it’s a chance to build on what he started — without the “interim” label hanging over every decision.
The Texans believe they’ve found the right voice. Now, they’ll see if he can turn a strong finish into sustained success.
