Ex-Raiders assistant head coach John Pagano lands with Texans as senior defensive assistant

Arguably the most celebrated of the Raiders assistant coaches last season has finally found a home. John Pagano, who held the title of Assistant Head Coach — Defense in Oakland has found a home in Houston as first reported by Alex Marvez of the Sporting News.

Pagano will hold the title of Senior Defensive Assistant and put in charge of the outside linebackers according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.

The former Chargers Defensive Coordinator spent just a year with the Raiders, taking over play calling duties from the fired Ken Norton Jr over the final six games of last season.

When Pagano took over, the Raiders hadn’t intercepted the ball yet; setting a new NFL record of ten games without an interception to begin a season. They then had five interceptions over the final six games.

Sacks also ramped up over Pagano’s six games in charge of the defense, with the trio of Khalil Mack, Bruce Irvin, and Denico Autry putting up 14.5 of their combined 23.5 sacks in the final six games alone.

That ramp up in pressure was undoubtedly a major factor in the Texans wanting him to coach their outside linebackers.