From Super Bowl 50 Champion to H-Town Coach: The Impact of James Ferentz

 

B. Keith Crear III

Mon, July 27, 2026 at 7:00 AM EDT·

When the Houston Texans brought aboard James Ferentz as their tight ends coach for the 2026 season, it wasn't just another assistant hire, it was a full-circle moment with massive operational upside for Houston's offense.

Ferentz entered the NFL as an undrafted interior lineman with Houston back in 2014, spent time on the practice squad, and then went on a decade-long journey that included two Super Bowl rings—one with the Denver Broncos' iconic Super Bowl 50 squad and another with the New England Patriots.

Now returning to H-Town after spending time on the New York Giants' coaching staff, Ferentz brings a unique blend of trench leverage, Championship pedigree, and offensive line discipline to a tight end room primed to take another step forward.

Earlier this year, coach DeMeco Ryans spoke highly on the reasoning as to why Ferentz was brought on as TE coach. With the 2026 training camp days away, the tight-end room will definitely have laser focused eyes set by fans. Here is how his arrival gives the Texans a distinct strategic edge for the 2026 campaign.

The "Iowa Advantage" and Trench Mechanics

It's impossible to talk about James Ferentz without acknowledging his roots. As the son of legendary Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz, football IQ and physical point-of-attack football are effectively built into his DNA. Iowa has earned a reputation as the premier tight end factory in college football, producing elite balanced talents who can dominate as in-line blockers just as well as they run routes.

While Ferentz played center during his playing days, that interior perspective is precisely what makes his transition to tight end coach so compelling. Modern tight ends are often treated as oversized wide receivers, but the elite offenses in today's NFL rely on tight ends who can seal the edge, handle defensive ends, and execute combo blocks on zone runs. Ferentz, who spent eight NFL seasons surviving as an undersized interior lineman relying entirely on footwork, leverage, and hand placement, understands the mechanics of line play better than traditional skill-position coaches. For starter Dalton Schultz and the rest of the unit, learning blocking nuances from a two-time champion lineman will turn the TE room into a real asset in Bobby Slowik and Nick Caley's run schemes.

Seamless Scheme Translation and Chemistry

Coaching changes can sometimes slow a unit down as players adjust to new terminology, but Ferentz's background makes his integration virtually seamless. Having spent six seasons in New England, Ferentz shares deep scheme familiarity with Texans offensive coordinator Nick Caley and run-game coordinator Cole Popovich.

Because Ferentz and Popovich view line leverage and run designs through the exact same lens, the communication between the offensive line and the tight ends will be tighter than ever. That synergy is vital for protecting C.J. Stroud on bootlegs, play-action rollouts, and max-protection packages, where tight ends are frequently asked to chip pass-rushers or handle edge defenders solo.

Championship Standards in the Meeting Room

Winning Super Bowl 50 alongside Peyton Manning in Denver and Super Bowl LIII with Tom Brady in New England means Ferentz knows exactly what elite preparation looks like. He has operated inside two of the most meticulous, high-expectation locker rooms of the past decade. Bringing that level of detail, accountability, and ring-winning standard into DeMeco Ryans' building only strengthens the overall culture.

Ultimately, adding Ferentz isn't just about tweaking route trees, it's about making the tight end room tougher, more technically sound, and completely aligned with the offense's physical identity. If his technique-first approach takes hold early in camp, expect Houston's ground game and play-action passing attack to look much cleaner in 2026.

New Texans TEs coach James Ferentz encouraged about coaching 'a good room'

 

By Aaron Wilson

Jul 16, 2026

When the Texans hired former NFL offensive lineman James Ferentz as their new tight ends coach, they knew they were tapping into his extensive background and expertise in blocking.

Having Ferentz, a 36-year-old former New York Giants assistant offensive line coach who played center for the Texans, New England and Denver Broncos, gives the staff someone well-versed in the Patriots-style system run by offensive coordinator Nick Caley.

Although Ferentz hasn’t coached tight ends before, the replacement for Jake Moreland has been a quick study as he takes over a position headlined by veteran Dalton Schultz. And Ferentz played at Iowa for his father, Kirk Ferentz, and was a second-team All-Big Ten Conference selection. He previously played for Texans offensive line coach and run game coordinator Cole Popovich in New England.

“I’ve never really been involved in the passing game, I’m learning something new every day,” said Ferentz, who earned two Super Bowl rings, including playing with Peyton Manning with the Broncos, in 61 career games with 10 starts in eight NFL seasons before retiring after the 2023 season. “The guy I report directly for, Nick Caley, coached the position at a really high level for over a decade. Those gaps and holes, you’ve got to be willing to put your hand up and say if you don’t know, you don’t know. The run blocking stuff, me and Cole see the game in a very similar lens, which makes it very easy and seamless.

“I spent some time as an undersized offensive lineman. There might be some similarities with that with tight end play, having to rely more on technique than ever being able to muscle a defender. Ultimately, I’ve inherited a really good room.”

Ferentz played for New England for six seasons. He overlapped with Caley, senior offensive assistant Jerry Schlupinski and offensive line coach-run game coordinator Cole Popovich and general manager Nick Caserio. Now, he’s working with them and coach DeMeco Ryans.

“Obviously, I’ve got connections with a handful of guys on staff, but getting to know coach Ryans was an incredible opportunity,” Ferentz said. “To get here, learn from some people I have familiarity with, and then obviously getting to know coach Ryans, it’s just been a really phenomenal experience.

“The way I view it, I’ve got a room with a lot of really good players in it. It’s been a really beneficial period here. I think we’ve accomplished what we’ve wanted. When we get back in the fall, we’ll try to build on that and to keep putting these guys in the best position to succeed. Ultimately, that’s our job as coaches.”

Veteran starting tight end Dalton Schultz was sidelined for the Texans’ AFC divisional round playoff loss to New England due to a strained calf. Tight end Cade Stover missed a large chunk of the season after breaking his foot against the Rams in the opening game. And Brevin Jordan tore his patellar tendon during a training camp practice. The Texans had to deploy offensive tackle Blake Fisher as their primary blocking tight end.

Stover, who had off-season hernia surgery, and Jordan have overcome past injuries. Jordan previously tore an anterior cruciate ligament in his knee two seasons ago.

“Brevin is bringing it, good energy, ultimate team guy,” Ferentz said. “you get Brevin on the field, his play speaks for itself here now. He’s a special football player and he’s done everything the right way.

“Getting onto the field with his rehab, which is a very difficult process, you’re talking almost two years and he’s played like maybe two or three weeks of football. Mentally, can’t say enough about the kid for being able to work through it. It’s been really a lot of fun working with him.”

Photo: Mike Carlson / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images

While Schultz caught a career-high 82 passes, Caley had bigger plans at tight end. Now, he’s planning an increased role for the tight ends. That means more double tight end, triple tight end and perhaps even split back formations for running backs David Montgomery and Woody Marks.

“I am a little bit biased there because of my background with tight ends, but you remember it is important,” Caley said. “I think you always want to be multiple. To nobody’s fault, last year we got thinned out pretty early with Brev prior to us ever getting to the season. Cade goes down in the fourth quarter of the Rams game for call it two-thirds of the season, and we’re in the jumbo world a lot.

“We want to be multiple. We want to have balance, 11, 12s, 13s, 20, etcetera, and I think that’s always good to be able to do those things. So, that’s important. We’ve got a really good group of receivers. We’ve got a really good group of backs. We’ve got a really good group at tight end now, too, and we’re healthy. So, it’s been a lot of fun just trying to mix those groupings here and evolve that.”

The Texans utilized 12 personnel on 24.26 percent of their offensive snaps last season. They were in 11 personnel -- one running back, one tight end, three wide receivers - 58.11 percent of the time. And they were in 21 personnel -- heavy formations -- 17.63 percent of the time.

“Everyone’s got a role,” Ferentz said. “Everyone needs to embrace their role and the vision of the football team and what we have to do to help the team win games. That’s how I view it.”

A big second-round draft pick from the University of Michigan, Klein strained his hamstring during organized team activities and was sidelined for the Texans’ minicamp. He is expected to make a full recovery for training camp.

“Good athlete, he’s a big dude, he moves well,” Schultz said. “I think in this offense, specifically, you are asked to do everything. Knowing where to be and where to line up and how to execute is like a big hurdle. It’s a big learning curve.

“I think as a young guy, being able to soak that up and to get that information and use it well and able to go out and actually line up and execute at full speed, it’s hard to do. So far, I think he’s done a good job of that. Training camp kind of is the true test of putting the pads on and figuring out like when the bullets are flying. We’ll see. I’m excited for him.”

Klein is a native of Germany who played behind several top tight ends at Michigan after enrolling, including Chicago Bears standout tight end Colston Loveland.

“That’s a testament to his character of committing to a body of work and a process,” Ferentz said. “Through that interview process, I really fell in love with the guy. Then you throw in the film, and you can see it.

“There’s just somebody who hasn’t gotten a lot of reps. That’s not his fault. He was just in some deep position groups. We’re excited to get him here. He’s been working hard.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter.

https://sportstalk790.iheart.com/featured/houston-sports-news/content/2026-07-16-new-texans-tes-coach-james-ferentz-encouraged-about-coaching-a-good-room/

Recently retired Patriots player hired as coach for old Super Bowl foe

 

Former Patriots offensive lineman James Ferentz. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) AP

By Nick O'Malley | nomalley@masslive.com

Updated: Mar. 26, 2024, 1:56 p.m.| Published: Mar. 26, 2024, 1:55 p.m.

Recently retired New England Patriots offensive lineman James Ferentz is joining the family business of coaching -- with the New York Giants.

On Tuesday, the Giants announced that they had hired Ferentz as an assistant offensive line coach. In New York, Ferentz will work under head coach Brian Daboll, who spent time in New England as an assistant coach.

James Ferentz was a longtime versatile backup for the Patriots, bouncing on and off the roster over the years. He played from 2017-2023 in New England before announcing his retirement back in February.

Ferentz is the son of longtime Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz. He’s also the brother of Brian Ferentz, who was the offensive coordinator at Iowa until his departure this past season.

James Ferentz was undersized for an NFL offensive lineman, but was praised for his work as a mentor in the locker room. He played in 40 games during his time in New England, including 10 starts. His last NFL appearance came in 2023 when he started a game at left guard.

After playing for his father at Iowa, Ferentz landed in the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2014. He started out as an undrafted free agent with the Houston Texans before winning a Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos. He earned a second ring in 2018 when the Patriots won Super Bowl LIII.

Current, former Patriots players salute Super Bowl champ after retiring

 

Retired New England Patriots offensive lineman James Ferentz. (AP Photo/Doug Murray)AP

 

Updated: Feb. 19, 2024, 5:31 p.m.

Lauren Campbell | LCampbell@masslive.com

James Ferentz announced his retirement Monday after spending the last seven seasons with the New England Patriots. An under-the-radar center was part of the Super Bowl LIII winning team and played a big role for the Patriots in 2019 when David Andrews missed the season due to blood clots.

The 34-year-old leaves the NFL after 10 seasons, two Super Bowls and leaves behind an impact that was clearly felt by current and former Patriots.

After Ferentz announced his retirement on Instagram, several teammates, past and present, saluted the offensive lineman.

Quarterback Mac Jones: “Appreciate you bro!!! I remember you were the First dude I ever met in the locker room and one of the best!!! Goodluck in your next chapter!”

Guard Mike Onwenu: “Thank you for the example you set James. Congrats!”

Former Patriots quarterback Jarrett Sitdham: “Thousands of snaps together. Congrats on the career dude!!!”

Former Patriots safety Devin McCourty: “Little lineman!!!!! Congrats man. Always enjoyed turning around and talking about the greatness of (Rutgers University)...enjoy the family.”

Former Patriots running back Rex Burkhead: “Congrats brother!! Great career!”

Ferentz spent the 2023 season on the Patriots practice squad, but still found ways to provide a veteran presence for the rookies. He often traveled with the team to help the offensive line throughout the year. What’s next for the veteran is unknown, but he leaves the NFL having played 61 total games and winning two Super Bowl rings.

Patriots OL James Ferentz retires

 

By Charean Williams

Published February 19, 2024 03:59 PM

Patriots offensive lineman James Ferentz announced his retirement on Instagram on Monday afternoon.

“After taking the time to collect my thoughts and speaking with my wife, Skylar, I’ve decided to retire from playing football,” Ferentz wrote.

He did not indicate whether coaching is next for him. His father, Kirk, has been the head coach at the University of Iowa since 1999 and his brother, Brian, has been an assistant coach at Iowa since 2012 after four seasons coaching for the Patriots.

James Ferentz, 34, played only one game in 2023 as he spent time on both the active roster and the practice squad. The Patriots, though, valued his knowledge in the offensive line room and on the sideline on game day.

He played eight seasons, winning two Super Bowl rings.

Ferentz spent time with the Texans and Broncos before landing in New England in 2018. The interior offensive lineman appeared in 61 games with 10 starts in his NFL career.

 

James Ferentz is ready to play a bigger Patriots role with David Andrews out

 

Published: Nov. 21, 2022, 9:39 a.m.

By Mark Daniels | mdaniels@masslive.com

FOXBOROUGH – James Ferentz ‘wife, Skylar, often wonders out loud about why her husband works late nights.

Since entering the NFL in 2014, Ferentz has eight-career starts and 52 games played. He’s bounced on and off various teams practice squads, including the Patriots. As a reserve offensive lineman, there’s no guarantee he sees the field. But as the 33-year-old explains to his wife, that doesn’t mean he has less work to do during the week.

“I take a lot of pride in the fact that I approach every week the same even if I’m not playing. Things like (Sunday) happen,” Ferentz told MassLive. “You just never know when your number is going to be called. I always joke with my wife. ‘How come you’re not home? Blah, blah blah.’ I’m like, ‘well, the week that I skip my assignments for what I need to get done is the week you get thrown in the game.’”

The eight-year veteran has leaned on his experience in order to help teams like the Patriots in a pinch. In his first four NFL seasons, it rarely happened. Over the last four, Ferentz has started eight games in New England. With starting center David Andrews suffering a thigh injury that could reportedly keep him out for the remainder of the season, Ferentz is in line to play the biggest role of his NFL career.

When Andrews went down in the first half on Sunday, Ferentz finished the game at center, logging 48 offensive snaps. That gave him a career-high 205 offensive snaps played this season. His next start, which should be on Thursday, will mark a career-high three starts.

For Ferentz, these moments are bittersweet since Andrews is one of his best friends.

“Any chance you get to play, you’re excited. It’s really unfortunate when it’s one of your best friends who gets injured,” Ferentz said. “That part of it stinks. Obviously, you hope Dave is alright. Sometimes that’s the way football goes – sometimes you get a good break, sometimes you get a bad break.”

Ferentz, who’s the son of Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz, has relied on his football intelligence to last this long in the NFL. In New England, he’s been a versatile piece for the offensive line. Last season, he split his time between the practice squad and active roster. When the Patriots offensive line was hit by COVID-19 and other injuries, Ferentz made his first career-start at left guard against the Houston Texans.  He started two games at left guard last fall.

Ferentz started two games in the 2019 and 2020 seasons. He made his first career-game game in 2019 at right guard when Shaq Mason suffered an injury. His next three starts came at the center position.

Working as a reserve offensive lineman isn’t always easy. You prepare hard even though you might not play. For Ferentz, all those years of preparing have led him here. Now, the Patriots need him more than ever.

“The one good thing about being around for a while is I’ve been preparing for that moment for a long time. It just hasn’t come,” Ferentz said. “Unfortunately for Dave, it’s come this year a few more times. It’s one of those things, I take a lot of pride in the way I prep throughout the week. If you get thrown in, you get thrown in and hopefully it goes well.

Bill Belichick expresses confidence in Patriots backup center James Ferentz: ‘He definitely knows what to do’

 

By Bernd Buchmasser

Oct 27, 2022, 8:00am EDT  

Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The New England Patriots’ loss to the Chicago Bears on Monday night was a costly one for more reasons than the final score. The Patriots also saw several players go down with injuries, including their starting center.

David Andrews sustained a head injury in the fourth quarter after absorbing an illegal blindside block. The team captain walked off under his own power, but he did not return to the game and eventually was placed in the NFL’s concussion protocol.

Andrews’ status for the Patriots’ upcoming game against the New York Jets is therefore in question, especially after he missed Wednesday’s practice.

If the veteran is unable to return in time, New England already has a replacement ready: James Ferentz, who took the field on Monday after Andrews’ departure and played the game’s final eight snaps at the center position. Two days later, head coach Bill Belichick expressed confidence in the backup center.

“He’s been in our system a long time,” Belichick said during a press conference on Wednesday. “He definitely knows what to do. Smart kid. Played all three positions in there, center and guard.”

A rookie free agent out of Iowa in 2014, Ferentz has been with the Patriots since 2017. Over the next six seasons, he moved between the active roster and practice squad on a regular basis but still managed to start six games for the team.

This season so far, the 33-year-old has only seen spot duty. He took the field in Week 1 against Miami, replacing rookie Cole Strange for eight total snaps. As noted above, he added eight more snaps to his tally after Andrews’ concussion against the Bears.

Heading into Week 8, there is a real possibility Ferentz will have to move into starting the lineup — something he did two times each during the 2019, 2020 and 2021 seasons. If such a promotion happens, he will be a downgrade from Andrews (which is not necessarily what New England needs against a defensive line as talented as New York’s).

Still, Belichick is confident Ferentz will be ready for the challenge should push come to shove.

“If James has to play, I’m sure he’ll play well for us.”

Patriots sign James Ferentz to active roster

Posted by Josh Alper on September 6, 2022, 5:39 PM EDT

Getty Images

The Patriots opened a spot on their active roster when they placed wide receiver Tyquan Thornton and they filled it with a familiar face on Tuesday.

The NFL’s daily transaction report shows that they have signed center James Ferentz off of the practice squad.

Ferentz originally signed with the Patriots in May 2017 and he has been on their active roster or practice squad for the last five seasons. He returned to the practice squad after being one of the team’s final cuts last week.

He has played in 27 games and made six starts during his time in the organization. He also played in 21 games over two seasons with the Broncos before heading to New England.

Ferentz made the grade against Chiefs in first career start at center

New England Patriots offensive linemen James Ferentz (66) and Ted Karras (75) provides block protection for quarterback Jarrett Stidham, left rear, as Carolina Panthers defensive end Bryan Cox Jr. (91) rushes the line in the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

By RICH THOMPSON | richard.thompson@bostonherald.com | Boston Herald

PUBLISHED: December 9, 2019 at 5:22 pm | UPDATED: December 9, 2019 at 5:54 pm

James Ferentz made a “competitive” showing in his first NFL start at center in Sunday’s 23-16 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick made that observation during his Monday morning conference call at Gillette Stadium.

Ferentz was flanked by veteran guards Joe Thuney and Shaq Mason and lined up opposite Chiefs’ tackles Chris Jones and Derrick Nnadi, both of whom produced marginal numbers. Jones had three tackles with a sack while Nnadi netted two tackles.

“James has done a good job for us,” said Belichick. “Glad we have James, he stepped in there and gave us a game and a half of very competitive play.”

Ferentz, a 6-2, 300-pound, journeyman began training camp as a practice squad interior lineman behind incumbent center David Andrews and back-up Ted Karras.

Andrews was put on injured reserved in the preseason with blood clots in his lungs. Karras started 12 straight games before going down with a knee injury early in the third quarter in Patriots 28-22 loss to the Houston Texans on Dec. 1. Ferentz replaced Karras and finished the game.

James Ferentz says it was special to finally make first NFL start

New England Patriots offensive lineman James Ferentz, left, blocks Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Bijhon Jackson in the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Thursday, Aug.22, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. - (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

By Mark Daniels
Journal Sports Writer

Posted Oct 27, 2019 at 9:35 PM

FOXBORO –James Ferentz will likely never forget his son Forest’s third birthday.

On Sunday, the 30-year-old made the first NFL start of his career after coming into the NFL in 2014. Ferentz started at right guard, in place of Shaq Mason, as the Patriots beat the Cleveland Browns, 27-13.

It was a special moment for the veteran, who worked hard to get to this life-defining moment. He said it became even better when he was able to see his son, the birthday boy, after the game.

“Coming out off the field and getting to see him was pretty special because I didn’t get to see him this morning and do the presents,” Ferentz said. “That was really special getting to see him on his third birthday. He won’t remember it, but I will.”

Ferentz made his NFL debut back in 2015 when he made the Denver Broncos 53-man roster as an undrafted free agent. It’s taken a long time to get here - his first start - but Sunday was an example of what happens when you don’t give up. He came into the league in 2014, but spent that year on Houston’s practice squad.

Ferentz earned a championship ring in 2015 when the Broncos won Super Bowl 50. The offensive lineman made his NFL debut that season. He played in seven games in 2016 and made his way to Foxboro, on the Patriots practice squad in 2017. Last year, he played in just two games with the Patriots.

This summer, Ferentz was actually released on cut-down day. The Patriots made several trades, including for guard Jermaine Eluemunor and center Russell Bodine, but Ferentz has surpassed both. He was re-signed to the Patriots when they released Bodine, a veteran center.

On Sunday, Ferentz didn’t find out he was starting until the morning when Mason was put through a test to see how his ankle was pregame.

“Shaq was just a fluid situation all week. It was kind of hard to even make a call,” Ferentz said. “I don’t think that no one really could until this morning when he went out there for his work out and it just wasn’t going to happen.”

Ferentz admitted he felt the nerves, but said he settled down as the game went on. It’s been a long journey, but this journeyman finally started an NFL game. It was a special moment for Ferentz, who grew up in football (he’s the son of Iowa head coach, Kirk Ferentz).

“I tell my mom this all the time because she keeps asking me, ‘how long are you going to do it?’ I’ll keep going as long as I can,” Ferentz said. “I love this sport. It’s provided for my family as a kid and now I get to provide for my personal family as an adult. I love this sport. I love all the opportunities it’s given myself. I just kind of keep my head down and try to keep having a job.”

Iowa football: James Ferentz vying for third Super Bowl ring

by Andrew Wade | June 17, 2019

Despite a journeymen career, former Iowa football player James Ferentz has managed to play five seasons in the NFL and win two Super Bowl titles.

NFL players can spend their entire careers trying to win Super Bowl titles. Meanwhile, there are guys like former Iowa football player James Ferentz who just happens to be with the right team at the right time. In just five years, Kirk Ferentz’s second oldest son has won not one but two Super Bowl titles, and he has good odds of claiming a few more along the way as long as he can remain with the New England Patriots and as long as Tom Brady remains healthy.

Ferentz may not be more talented than some of the guys currently searching for roster spots, but he has stuck around due to an insatiable work ethic and a fantastic technical understanding of how to play the position. Furthermore, playing the center position is one of the more difficult positions in the NFL, and it requires a player who understands the cerebral approach to the game.

Ferentz was born into football royalty as he learned offensive line under one of the best offensive line gurus in all of football, his Dad Kirk. Additionally, as the second oldest, he has the opportunity to learn and watch his brother Brian play for the Iowa football team and eventually become a coach in the NFL.

That bloodline is strong, and the strongest connection to the NFL is through New England where Kirk Ferentz has a great relationship with head coach Bill Belichick so the future is bright for James Ferentz.

He may never be a star, and he certainly isn’t in line to start this upcoming year, but if he continues to work hard, he could be a mainstay on the second string offensive line for the New England Patriots. First, though, he has to make the active roster and stay there. Over the past two seasons, he has bounced up and down from the full 53-man roster to the practice squad and back.

Heading into his sixth season in the NFL, it’s make or break time for the 30-year old career backup. The practice squad isn’t really an option anymore, so he needs to make the team coming out of summer camp. If not, James could be a hot name to watch in the coaching ranks quickly after his playing career is done.

My projection for James is that he makes the 53-man roster this season, but I don’t believe the Patriots will take home the championship. I also believe this very well could be his last season in the NFL. At the age of 30, there isn’t much more room for growth, and his salary will only continue to increase.