Former Patriots executive and coach Nick Caserio leads the Texans organization (Courtesy of the Houston Chronicle)
The Houston Texans beat the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, 30-6 to advance to the Divisional Round of the AFC Playoffs. The Patriots will take on the Texans at 3 pm on Sunday. There are plenty of former Patriots staffer and players from the Belichick era currently employed by the Texans.
The return to Foxboro will be a homecoming of sorts for several people in the Texans organization.
Here are the individuals with Patriots ties in the Texans organization.
Nick Caserio, General Manager: Caserio was Bill Belichick’s right hand man for a long time. He has built a championship caliber roster in his five seasons in Houston. Caserio’s varied background as a coach and front office executive has enabled him to build a roster that can win.
Steve Cargile, Senior Personnel Executive: Cargile played in the NFL and was the Patriots Director of Scouting before leaving for the Texans in 2024.
Shane Vereen, Player Personnel Assistant: The former Patriots running back wears multiple hats for the Texans working with players on and off the field.
Nick Caley, Offensive Coordinator: Formally the Patriots tight ends coach, Caley is well versed in the Patriots offense having coached under Josh McDaniels. The Patriots will see some of their concepts on Sunday.
Cole Popovich, Offensive Line Coach: Popovich was the Patriots assistant offensive line coach and was co-offensive line coach prior to the Covid season. He left the organization over the Covid vaccine.
Jerry Schuplinski, Offensive Assistant: Former Patriots quarterbacks coach is also well versed in the Patriots offense having worked under Josh McDaniels.
Ben McDaniels, Josh’s brother, offensive assistant: Ben has never coached for the Patriots but he is Josh’s brother and has been seen a rising star in the coaching ranks the past few seasons.
Mack Marrone, Scouting Asst: Marrone is the some of Patriots offensive line coach Doug Marrone and a former linebacker at Colgate.
Players
Jake Andrews, Center: The former Patriots fourth round pick in 2023 never played here but has found a home in Houston as the Texans starting center this season.
Trent Brown, OT: Yeah. The mammoth Brown is still in the league, starting at right tackle for the Texans. He protected Tom Brady’s blind side in Super Bowl LIII.
Myles Bryant, DB: The former Washington standout was an undrafted free agent signing by the Patriots and played well here as a sub package corner. Currently listed as a safety for the Texans.
Braxton Berrios, WR: Berrios was a seventh round pick of the Patriots and after attempting to turn him into the next Julian Edelman, the team cut him.