Cole Popovich
Houston Texans
Position:Assistant offensive line coach
Personal information
Born: (1985-02-15) February 15, 1985 (age 39)
Monterey Park, California, U.S.
Career information
High school:Yosemite (Oakhurst, California)
College:Fresno State
Career history
As a coach:
Career highlights and awards

Cole Popovich (born February 15, 1985) is an American football coach who is the Assistant offensive line coach for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL).

College career

Popovich was a four-year starter as left guard on the Fresno State Bulldogs football team from 2004 to 2007. He was also named a unanimous Freshman All-American in 2005.[1]

Coaching career

Popovich coached at the collegiate level for 5 seasons, working in various colleges such as Los Angeles Valley, Fresno City, Utah State, and Minot State[2] before joining the Patriots' staff in 2016.[3] He was part of the Patriots coaching staff that won Super Bowl LI. In the game, the Patriots defeated the Atlanta Falcons by a score of 34–28 in overtime.[4] Popovich won his second Super Bowl title when the Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII.[5] In 2020 it was announced that he would become the co-offensive line coach with Carmen Bricilloin order to replace Dante Scarnecchia.[6][7]

On July 23, 2021, despite Bill Belichick desiring to keep Popovich on his offensive staff, it was reported that Popovich would not be coaching for the Patriots in 2021 due to reasons relating to the COVID-19 vaccine.[8][9] Upon departing from the Patriots, Popovich instead spent the 2021 season as the offensive line coach for Franklin High School in nearby Franklin, MA.[10]

Popovich was hired by Jon Sumrall at Troy in January, 2022 to be the offensive line coach for the Trojans.

On February 23, 2023, Popovich was hired by the Houston Texans to be their Assistant offensive line coach.[11]

Personal life

Popovich is married to his wife Jessica, and they have two sons.[2] He is related to NBA coaching legend Gregg Popovich.[12]

References

  1. ^ Hill, Rich (July 24, 2016). "New Patriots coach Cole Popovich is "a great fundamental teacher of offensive line play"". Pats Pulpit. Retrieved August 15, 2019.
  2. ^ a b "Cole Popovich". msubeaver.com. Retrieved August 15, 2019.
  3. ^ "Cole Popovich". Patriots.com. Archived from the original on July 28, 2020. Retrieved August 15, 2019.
  4. ^ "Super Bowl LI - New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons - February 5th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 15, 2019.
  5. ^ "Super Bowl LIII - Los Angeles Rams vs. New England Patriots - February 3rd, 2019". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  6. ^ "Replacing Dante Scarnecchia: Cole Popovich and Carmen Bricillo leading Patriots O-Line meetings". masslive. May 5, 2020. Retrieved May 6, 2020.
  7. ^ "Who's Taking Over Patriots O-Line Coach Duties From Dante Scarnecchia? | New England Patriots | NESN.com". May 5, 2020. Retrieved May 6, 2020.
  8. ^ Reiss, Mike [@MikeReiss] (July 23, 2021). "Patriots co-OL coach Cole Popovich won't be with the team in 2021 in a decision related to the COVID-19 vaccine and NFL guidelines, per league sources. @globejimmcbride 1st reported Popovich won't be with the team. Carmen Bricillo, co-OL coach in '20, takes on leading role" (Tweet). Archived from the original on July 25, 2021. Retrieved July 26, 2021 – via Twitter.
  9. ^ "Patriots Coach's Departure Related to 'COVID-19 Vaccine and NFL Guidelines': Report". NBC Boston. Retrieved July 23, 2021.
  10. ^ https://www.houstontexans.com/team/coaches-roster/cole-popovich#:~:text=Popovich%20spent%20the%202021%20season,the%20state%20by%20Max%20Preps.
  11. ^ "Houston Texans Announce 2023 Coaching Staff". HoustonTexans.com. February 24, 2023. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  12. ^ "Patriots Coach Cole Popovich Recently Discovered He's Related to Gregg Popovich". September 2, 2020.

External links

New England Patriots Super Bowl LI champions
New England Patriots Super Bowl LIII champions
Categories