Former QB for the Texas A&M Aggies Gets NFL Coaching Position

Former QB for the Texas A&M Aggies Gets NFL Coaching Position: A New Chapter in His Career

The world of football is one where athletes often transition from playing to coaching, using their experience and knowledge of the game to shape the next generation of players. For many former quarterbacks, the journey from the field to the sidelines is a natural progression. One such individual making this transition is Johnny Manziel, the former Texas A&M Aggies quarterback, who has been hired as a coach with a National Football League (NFL) team. Manziel’s career has been a roller coaster, filled with highs and lows, but now he is stepping into a new role that will allow him to pass on his expertise to future quarterbacks.

Johnny Manziel’s Career as a Texas A&M Aggies Quarterback

Before Manziel became a household name in the NFL, he made a huge impact at the collegiate level, particularly with the Texas A&M Aggies. His time at Texas A&M was marked by a rapid rise to stardom, largely due to his electrifying playing style, unorthodox skillset, and the ability to perform under pressure. Manziel was a dual-threat quarterback—he could beat you with his arm or his legs, making him one of the most dynamic players in college football history.

Manziel’s college career began in earnest during the 2012 season, where he was a true freshman and took the SEC by storm. In his debut season, he led Texas A&M to an impressive 11-2 record and became the first freshman ever to win the prestigious Heisman Trophy. He also set numerous records, including the highest total yards by a freshman quarterback in college football history. His ability to make plays both with his arm and his legs—highlighted by his unique improvisational skills—set him apart from other quarterbacks and helped to catapult Texas A&M’s football program into the national spotlight.

Manziel followed up his sensational freshman season with an even stronger sophomore campaign, where he continued to break records and further solidify his reputation as one of the most talented quarterbacks to ever play college football. Although his tenure with Texas A&M was short (two seasons), Manziel’s time in College Station was transformative, and his play helped to establish A&M as a competitive force in the SEC.

However, after leaving college early and entering the NFL Draft in 2014, Manziel’s career took a different turn. Despite his obvious talents, off-the-field issues, personal struggles, and a less-than-stellar professional career led to his eventual departure from the NFL.

Transition to the NFL

Johnny Manziel’s transition to the NFL was filled with promise and optimism, but ultimately, his professional career never reached the heights that many had anticipated. After being selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns, Manziel’s career was marred by inconsistent play and off-field controversies. His rookie season showed flashes of his incredible potential, but off-the-field distractions, a lack of discipline, and a difficult relationship with the coaching staff and management led to a tumultuous career in the NFL. Manziel bounced around with a few other teams and eventually found himself out of the league by 2016.

Despite his early exit from the NFL, Manziel’s time in professional football was not without merit. He showcased his skills at times, and many people still viewed him as a player who could have succeeded had he applied himself more consistently and maintained focus. But as time passed, it became clear that his playing career was over, and the next logical step for him would be coaching.

The Road to Coaching

After retiring from the NFL, Johnny Manziel spent a few years away from the football world, focusing on his personal life and rehabilitation. He made public statements about his struggles with mental health and substance abuse, which contributed to his struggles in the NFL. During this period, Manziel worked on self-improvement and rebuilding his life. Slowly but surely, he began to take steps toward returning to the football world, but in a new capacity: as a coach.

Manziel’s decision to pursue a career in coaching was driven by his passion for the game and his desire to give back to the sport that had given him so much. While his time as a player was controversial and often filled with setbacks, he believed that his experiences—both the good and the bad—could help mold and guide the next generation of quarterbacks. Manziel believed that he had learned valuable lessons about what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of the sport, and he was eager to impart those lessons to others.

His first foray into coaching began on a smaller scale, as he worked with youth football programs and quarterbacks at the high school level. This initial experience allowed him to hone his teaching skills and develop his coaching philosophy. Over time, his name became associated with quarterback development, and he began to build a reputation as a mentor and teacher of the game.

While coaching at the youth and high school levels gave him valuable experience, Manziel’s ultimate goal was to work at the professional level, and more specifically, in the NFL. He knew that breaking into the NFL as a coach would not be easy, and that he would have to prove himself just like any other coach.

A New Chapter: Manziel Gets His NFL Coaching Position

In 2025, after years of coaching at lower levels and working his way up, Johnny Manziel’s dream of coaching in the NFL became a reality. He was hired as an assistant quarterbacks coach for an NFL team, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career. This appointment was the culmination of his hard work, dedication, and persistence in the world of coaching.

The team that gave Manziel his first NFL coaching opportunity is the Houston Texans, a franchise that is currently in the process of rebuilding. The Texans were looking for a fresh, dynamic approach to developing their quarterbacks, and Manziel, with his unique background, was seen as an ideal fit. Houston’s front office recognized the value of Manziel’s first-hand knowledge of the game and his ability to relate to young quarterbacks who might be facing similar pressures to the ones he once dealt with.

Manziel’s hiring was not without its share of controversy. Given his tumultuous playing career and the scrutiny that followed him throughout his time in the NFL, there were those who questioned his ability to be an effective coach. However, his defenders argued that his experiences—both the highs and the lows—gave him a unique perspective that would resonate with young players. They believed that he could help guide quarterbacks through the pressures of professional football, instill discipline, and teach them how to handle adversity.

The Role of Quarterbacks Coach

As an assistant quarterbacks coach for the Houston Texans, Manziel’s role involves working closely with the team’s quarterbacks, helping them develop their skills, refine their mechanics, and understand the nuances of the NFL game. His job is to mentor these young players, provide feedback on their performance, and assist the offensive coordinator in game planning. Although he is not the primary quarterbacks coach, Manziel is a key figure in the development of the team’s signal-callers.

His coaching style draws heavily from his playing days. As a quarterback, Manziel relied on improvisation and creativity, and those elements have become a focal point of his coaching approach. He is known for emphasizing the importance of making plays when things break down, a lesson that he learned first-hand during his career as a dual-threat quarterback.

Additionally, Manziel brings a wealth of knowledge on the mental side of the game. His own struggles with pressure, distractions, and public scrutiny have made him highly empathetic to the challenges that young players face in the NFL. He has often spoken about how important it is to stay focused and manage expectations, lessons that will undoubtedly prove valuable to the quarterbacks he works with.

What This Means for the Texans

For the Houston Texans, hiring Johnny Manziel is an attempt to modernize their approach to quarterback development. The Texans have struggled in recent years to find consistent play at the quarterback position, and they have made it clear that they are committed to building a future around the right signal-caller. Manziel’s knowledge and experience could prove invaluable as they work to find their next franchise quarterback.

Furthermore, the Texans are hoping that Manziel’s presence will help in recruiting and developing young talent. With his reputation as a former Heisman-winning quarterback and his natural charisma, Manziel has the ability to connect with prospective players and help attract top-tier quarterback prospects to the team.