HOUSTON — Romeo Crennel, a long-serving NFL coach, announced his retirement Monday after more than 50 years of coaching.
Crennel, now 74, was the head coach of the NFL’s 39-year-old team. Cleveland Browns And Kansas City Chiefs. He was also the Houston Texans’ interim coach in 2020.
The 73-year old Crennel became the oldest person to be a head coach in an NFL game that season. This record was previously held by ex-coaches Chicago Bears George Halas is the NFL’s co-founder and head coach. Crennel’s career ended with a 32-63 record in his role as head coach.
Crennel released a statement saying that football has been part of my life for the past 50 years. “… Although I’ll miss coaching and teaching, the thing that I’ll miss most about being with my team is the time spent with them every day. My goal was for every player and coach to be successful. Every guy I worked with or coached is a part my family.”
J.J. Watt was one of his former players and took to Twitter to praise the coach. Watt played seven seasons in Houston for Crennel.
Legendary player and man. https://t.co/eaHtpAmFTE
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) June 6, 2022
Crennel was with the Texans for eight of his final years. Crennel served as Houston’s senior adviser for football performance during the 2021 season.
Crennel was awarded the 2020 Paul Z. Zimmerman Award by the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). This award recognizes his lifetime achievements as an assistant coach. “My family, and the entire team. Houston Texans “Organization would like to congratulate Romeo Crennel for his historic coaching career,” Cal McNair, Texans Chair and CEO, stated in a statement. “After 50 seasons, Romeo is retiring as one of the most revered figures in NFL history. It will be difficult for anyone to replicate his remarkable resume and contributions in the field of football.
Romeo Crennel is a great asset to our organization in many ways. We will always remember him as a Texasian, and we wish Rosemary, his wife and his family all the best for their retirement.