Frank Ross’s Special Teams Dominance: How the Texans Built a Championship-Caliber Unit

The Houston Texans’ journey to becoming a formidable NFL contender isn’t solely attributed to explosive offensive plays or a stifling defense. A critical, often understated, component of their success lies in the strategic brilliance of Special Teams Coordinator Frank Ross and his meticulously crafted unit. In the Texans’ Wild Card victory against the Los Angeles Chargers on January 11, 2025, a blocked extra point returned for two points ignited a momentum shift, showcasing the tangible impact of Ross’s special teams prowess. This pivotal play underscores the dedication and innovative strategies that define Frank Ross’s Special Teams Dominance and how it has contributed to building a championship-caliber unit in Houston.

The Frank Ross Era: A Foundation of Excellence

Frank Ross, who is entering his fourth season as the special teams coordinator for the Houston Texans in 2024, has quietly engineered a special teams revolution. Joining the Texans in 2021 after serving as the assistant special teams coach with the Indianapolis Colts for three seasons (2018-2020), Ross brought a wealth of experience and a clear vision for transforming Houston’s kicking game. His impact was immediate and profound.

In 2022, Ross’s special teams unit ranked first in average kickoff return yards allowed (19.0) and opponent average starting field position (22.2 yard-line). Punter Cameron Johnston excelled, landing 37 punts inside the 20-yard line, tying for second-most in the league. Kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn had a career-high 93.5% field goal conversion rate and was perfect on extra point attempts.

Back-to-Back Champions: The Rick Gosselin Rankings

The ultimate validation of Ross’s system came in the form of consecutive No. 1 rankings in Rick Gosselin’s prestigious annual NFL Special Teams Rankings. In 2023, the Texans topped the charts for the second straight year, leading the NFL in kickoff return average (26.6 yards) and total return touchdowns (three). This remarkable achievement highlights not only the effectiveness of Ross’s schemes but also his ability to adapt and maintain excellence in the face of roster turnover and evolving league dynamics.

Gosselin’s rankings consider 22 kicking-game categories, assigning points based on each team’s standing. The Texans’ consistent performance across these categories demonstrates their comprehensive strength in all facets of special teams.

Overcoming Adversity: The 2023 Season

The 2023 season presented unique challenges for Ross. He lost key coverage players like Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Tremon Smith in free agency. Injuries further depleted his ranks, with Eric Murray, M.J. Stewart, and Tavierre Thomas all landing on injured reserve. Despite these setbacks, Ross’s ability to develop and integrate new talent ensured that the special teams unit remained a force to be reckoned with.

The Ross Philosophy: More Than Just Kicking

Ross’s success isn’t solely about X’s and O’s. His coaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of special teams as a vital component of the overall team strategy. He instills a sense of pride and ownership in his players, fostering a culture of competition and accountability.

“The head coach was outstanding about stressing the importance of being good on special teams,” former Special Teams Coordinator Brad Seely said in 2019, highlighting the organizational emphasis on this crucial aspect of the game. “I think our guys really had an attitude that they thought they were a really vital part of the football team, and I think that’s huge when you out there to play and they think they can help us have some success.”

Key Players and Their Contributions

Several players have thrived under Ross’s tutelage, becoming integral to the Texans’ special teams success:

Ka’imi Fairbairn: A reliable and accurate kicker, Fairbairn has consistently delivered clutch field goals and extra points. In 2022, he tied Kris Brown’s franchise record for most games with 10 or more points scored.
Cameron Johnston: Johnston’s punting prowess has been a significant asset, consistently pinning opponents deep in their own territory. His ability to land punts inside the 20-yard line has been a key factor in the Texans’ field position advantage.
Neville Hewitt: A standout on special teams coverage, Hewitt recorded a career-best 13 special teams tackles in 2022, showcasing his dedication and impact on the unit.
Joe Mixon: Scored a game-clinching touchdown in the Wild Card round against the Los Angeles Chargers.
D’Angelo Ross: Houston’s special team unit delivered a pivotal block on the extra point and returned it for two points against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Looking Ahead: Building on a Strong Foundation

As the Texans look to the future, Frank Ross’s special teams unit remains a cornerstone of their championship aspirations. His ability to adapt, innovate, and develop talent will be crucial in maintaining their high level of performance. With a focus on continuous improvement and a commitment to excellence, Ross is poised to lead the Texans’ special teams to even greater heights.

Community Impact

Frank Ross’s impact extends beyond the football field. He was honored with the Houston Sports Awards’ Community Impact Award in February 2025. Since 2022, he has organized and led the annual “Coach’s Cuts” event, providing free haircuts to the homeless in Houston, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the community. In April 2025, Ross was inducted into the John Carroll University Athletics Hall of Fame, recognizing his accomplishments as a player and coach.

Frank Ross’s Special Teams Dominance is not just about rankings and statistics; it’s about building a culture of excellence, fostering community engagement, and contributing to the Houston Texans’ pursuit of a championship.